Utopia School on November 9 honored local Utopia area U.S. military and all military veterans, living and dead, who have served our country. The annual program attended by 23 local veterans included songs from Elementary students and readings from High School students commemorating this important day. A list of local veterans who sacrificed for their country was read, and Taps was played in their memory.
Americans often confuse the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, their meaning, and who they honor. Veterans Day is a national holiday where the United States honors its military veterans. It was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, the 1st anniversary of the end of World 1. November 11 was chosen because the war ended on the “11th hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh year” and was originally named Armistice Day. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 every year.
Veterans Day was initially known as Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I. The date was originally an observance until it was officially made a holiday in 1938. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all military veterans.
Memorial Day, celebrated the last Monday in May, honors those who sacrificed and died protecting our country. The holiday originated soon after the Civil War when people would honor those who died in combat by decorating their graves with flowers and flags. Eventually, the name of the holiday was changed to Memorial Day, a day to honor all military heroes who died in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day remains a remembrance throughout the United States and celebrates all veterans, living and dead, who have served in the U.S. Military fighting to protect all U.S. citizens. Currently, at least 19 million veterans have served in at least one war. There are now approximately 200,000 World War II veterans, 500,000 Korean War veterans, and 750,000 Vietnam Veterans still living, along with the millions who have served in wars and conflicts since then.