Veteran's Day 2024: Thank you!

TO THOSE WHO CHOSE TO SERVE: THANK YOU FOR MY FREEDOM!

Thank you, to all of our veterans and service members who have made sacrifices, devoted their lives to protecting our freedoms, and to those who have supported or lost loved ones while serving our country.

Today, Veterans Day, is a time to recognize and honor the commitment, courage, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. With so many official, and those not so official holidays that are often preprinted on our calendars, it is easy to take this one for granted. Especially if you are not a military member, a veteran, or directly connected to someone who served in the military. Nevertheless, this day holds profound significance as we reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the resilience of those who have fought to protect them. Further, this day is not only for those who served in the past but also a reminder of the sacrifices still being made by our veterans today.

Looking back, the Legacy of Veterans Day can be traced back to when it was referred to as Armistice Day in 1919, celebrating the end of World War I. Known as “the war to end all wars,” it concluded on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. This historical significance made November 11 an iconic date for honoring peace. In 1954, after the global impact of World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day, a day to honor all American veterans, no matter their era or branch of service.

Looking forward, and as we go about our lives, it’s important to remember that our freedoms are upheld by the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve. Take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we often take for granted and recognize the commitment it takes to preserve them.

For example, many who serve suffer from grief and disconnect, leaving behind loved ones, losing brothers and sisters with whom they serve, and still others experience trauma during their service. Many suffer anxiety and depression, loneliness, some cope with chronic pain, substance use difficulties, and some contemplate suicide or ultimately take their own lives because they do not see any other way to stop the pain and suffering they experience. Some veterans recall warm receptions upon their re-entry into civilian life, their return home, with support, opportunities, and an exciting new normal. Others recall a much different reception and re-entry process. Some returned home rejected, resented, and abandoned. Some military miss many important events such as the birth of a child, the death of a parent, or the marriage of a sibling, to name just a few, that result in a deep sense of loss.

With this in mind, when you encounter a veteran or active service member in your community, remember that each veteran has a unique story of courage, sacrifice, suffering, and patriotism. Some served in battle, while others supported their country from a distance. All share a common thread of dedication to something greater than themselves.

Many veterans faced hardships and left behind families, jobs, and futures to protect and defend our nation. Therefore, it’s also important that we take this time to recognize not only the veterans who served on the frontlines and behind the scenes, but also the families and loved ones who stood by them, often in silence and sacrifice. The military wives who live much like single mothers, the prayerful parents petitioning God for the safety of their children, the children who miss the bedtime snuggles and hearing the cheers of a parent who serves as they experience every first milestone. Freedom is a privilege, not a guarantee, and it is protected by those who serve and their loved ones. Our veterans are a testament to the resilience, strength, and unity that form the bedrock of our nation. So, as we go about our day on November 11th, let’s pause to recognize the gift of freedom and honor those who defend it.

Veteran’s day appropriately lands right in the middle of the time of year we are already thinking about gratitude. We are in a season of thanksgiving and reflection. As you ponder all you have to be thankful for, I encourage you to pause and consider our veterans and service members. Pause to thank a veteran, pay it forward, support and serve their loved ones, and pray for their protection and safety.

​At Healthy Horizons, we honor the commitment and sacrifice of our U.S. Armed Forces, our veterans, and our first responders. As a token of our gratitude, we always offer discounts to our military members, veterans, and first responders. We encourage you to contact us and inquire about any discounts we offer to eligible military members.  

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