Veteran’s Day 2023
A very important American holiday will be here before you know it. No, not Thanksgiving or Christmas. This date on the calendar is coming up way sooner than either one of those celebrated days.
Veteran’s Day is Saturday November 11th. Shady Pines Story Town will take time to honor those who serve and have served our country.
This day hits home for may of the folks in our small Southern town. Maybe it’s the same where you live.
Our very our editor of The Shady Pines Gazette has a special connection to the federal holiday.
Loving Connections
“I will be thinking about my father on that day. He’s a retired Colonel in the Army. Since he’s not actively serving that makes him a veteran.
I haven’t seen him in a while ’cause he lives up north. But you can be dang on certain I will call him this Saturday. He says he learned important life lessons in the army like teamwork, achieving goals, honor and the importance of service to others.”
Zulah is not the only one who will be be thinking about a loved one this weekend. Seven year old Ray Robinson and his mother will be doing the same.
Far From Home
Ray’s dad is away right now serving overseas. Ray says on Veteran’s Day he’s going to write to his dad and make sure he knows how much Ray and his mom love him. They hope he can come home soon.
Ray is very proud of his dad. “He taught me to be honest, kind and respectful of others. Before he left he told 
me I’m supposed to help out around the house. And be good to mom while he’s gone. I told him I’d try to be just like him.”
Ray wipes away the tear trickling down his cheek.
It’s hard for our soldiers to be away from home and for the family and friends they leave behind.
How Veterans Day Started
We have to go way back to the year 1919 to find out how it began. This national observance used to be called Armistice Day — a day to celebrate the end of World War I.
The name was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all wars.
It’s kinda sad to realize just how many wars the United States has been involved in, isn’t it? So many men and women have made a lot of sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy today. 
Don’t be Confused
I don’t know about you, but most people confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. They’re actually very different. I did some digging and discovered the difference is important to keep in mind.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country. This is especially true for those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
“While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime.”
Remember To Thank Them
It’s easy to get busy and wrapped in all that’s going on these days. Let’s face it. We tend to forget the thousands of Americans who have done so much for us and those who still do.
So this Saturday please join Shady Pines and take a minute to appreciate those who serve!
What a creative way to get good information across to kids
I really like this Veteran’s Day Blog
Shady Pines is such a wonderful way to teach young children as well as reminding us older people to remember and give our Veterans the thanks they deserve. Great job!
Thank you Teresa. I’m glad you liked the post!
I really like this Shady Pines blog. Good stuff
Thank you for the reminder of the importance of Veterans Day and for sharing the differences of Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I’m going to read this to my 6 year old grandson. Never too early to pay tribute to these gallant men and women who have served in the military and fought for our freedom.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for explaining the difference in celebrating Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.
Thank you to all the Veterans 🇺🇸
You’re very welcome Trish!
Our service men and women are so important. hank you for highlighting their sacrifice
This Veterans Day is particularly poignant as we face the current deep instability in the world. May our service people remain safe!
Amen. What an imortant point to make!
So glad the difference between Veterans Day & Memorial Day was made clear. So many young folks do t know the difference.
Very true!
What a good reminder.
This is really good. I like the way you used the cartoon characters to make good points
I appreciate the reminder of the many people who touch each of our lives that have served. Thank you
You’re so very welcome!
Such an important post as Veteran’s Day gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and Christmas – thank you for the reminder to take a moment and thank a Veteran.
Thank you for that!
Thank you, Shady Pines for taking time to remind us of why we celebrate Veterans Day.
I appreciate that
I never really understood the difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. Thanks for the explanation
Another wonderful post filled with good information