Veterans Day 2026 is for Veterans — and You

 

Enjoy Veterans Day with Family and Friends and if You See a Veteran Say “ Thanks.” [Opinion]

November 11  — Veterans Day — marks a national tribute to an elite fraternity of 41 million Americans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States .

They served in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, National Guard and Reserve and earned the title of “veteran.”

On Veterans Day 2026 we remember those who served in war and in peace and lived .

They served around the world in the name of peace, freedom, and justice.

Today, only 1% of Americans have the courage to serve their country. Today, more than 349 million Americans enjoy the freedoms provided by the sacrifices that the 1% made possible.

The veteran made it possible for a preacher, pastor, priest or rabbi to preach a message of salvation from the pulpit on Sunday or the Sabbath.

The veteran made it possible for you to sit and watch college or NFL football this weekend without fear of an attack or invasion.  Attend that NBA game or high school football game championship.

That same veteran makes it possible for children to attend public or private elementary, high school, and college, too. Your rights to freedom speech, of movement, and protest have always been shielded by our veterans.

While the veteran is sometimes referred to as “a warrior,” they simply tried to keep you safe during peace and war. The “warrior” fiercely defended your rights to have free and fair elections.

The veteran never started a war or an invasion either. The politicians start wars and sent soldiers, marines, sailors, airman, and guardians to fight them.

Veterans went where they were told. They took a solum oath “to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies.” Veterans follow lawful orders issued by officers appointed over them. They took that hill and the beaches, too. They slugged it out in battlefields and at sea. All of it for your freedom.

After they serve they return home. Today they are your doctors, firefighters,  deputies, police officers, builders, writers, plumbers, news personalities, pilots,  CEO’s , judges, accountants, engineers, and teachers at all levels of the education system. You will find them in parks and schools, too, volunteering to coach sports like baseball, football, basketball, softball, and soccer.

They hold public offices as elected officials, too. They are mayors, school board members, state and federal elected officials, governor, and some  even became president of the United States.

Today you can find veterans in every walk of life.  On Veterans Day our federal, state, and local governments mark this day to honor and thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Veterans Day isn’t just another day off to kick back at a beach or play in a park. It is a day to thank a veteran for serving. They served so you don’t have to. Your right to free speech, freedom of religion, and all your other rights are what they stood up and protected.

Please enjoy Veterans Day with family and friends and if you see a veteran say “ Thanks.” We will appreciate the gesture.