Veteran’s Day – A Time Out – For Those Who Have Served

Tom Branch Jr. is a fishing industry veteran.  He is also a Firefighter and Paramedic who maintains an ample level of respect and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country over the years.  Branch submitted this article with some history on Veteran’s Day, and with today being a day to thank those who has served on behalf of the rest of us; we felt there was no more fitting way to observe Veteran’s Day ourselves than to share this piece with you.

Many of our readers, our families and our friends are Veteran’s of the military, have fought on behalf of our country, and deserve our recognition.

We will resume our usual Advanced Angler pursuits tomorrow, but today, we wanted to think of our men and women in uniform.  To me personally, it is a chance for me to think of my Grampa Fossil, My GranJan, my Dad, My Uncles, my cousins, my father-in-law and my friends;  Thank you for our freedom.

image courtesy Tom Branch Jr.

From Tom Branch Jr.

Veteran’s Day honors all American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veteran’s Day is largely intended to thank the living veterans for their dedicated service to our country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure every veterans knows that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made to protect us and keep our country free.

The official wreath-laying ceremony is held each November 11th at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans living or dead, but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

In 1947, Raymond Weeks, of Birmingham Ala., organized a “Veterans Day” parade on November 11th to honor all of America’s veterans for their loyal and dedicated service. Shortly thereafter, Congressman Edward H. Rees (Kansas) introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars.

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day, and called upon all Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration (now called the Department of Veterans Affairs), to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day.

Congress passed legislation in 1968 to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, as it became apparent that November 11th was historically significant to many Americans, in 1978, Congress reversed itself and returned the holiday to its traditional date.

One of the most personal and meaningful Veterans Day activities you could do are going visit a local veteran’s hospital. If you can’t do that the least you could do is thank your family and friends who are veterans by a simply picking up the phone and calling them on Monday….

Thanks Dad and all my friends that have served this greatest country in the world!

GOD Bless America!

THANKS FOR READING….. BRANCH

About the author: Tom is a freelance outdoor writer and full time Firefighter, Paramedic/Lieutenant in Georgia for the past 29+ years.  He has been working and consulting in the Outdoor Industry for over 18 years and is currently creating and managing a pro fishing team, developing new products, promoting products through demonstrations, designing packaging, and he participates in different forums, radio & television shows.  Tom and his wife, Kim are volunteers with Operation One Voice. They live north of Atlanta near Braselton, Ga. with their lab “Jake”.

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