Veterans Day: What It Means to Us 

November 11th is Veterans Day and our yearly reminder to celebrate our veterans for their patriotism, love for country, and willingness to be selfless and part of something bigger than themselves. Although every day is military community day, we will celebrate with some words of gratitude from fellow veterans and military spouses. Then, we will share unique ways to give back to veterans for their bravery. 

Appreciation: A Word from Fellow Veterans and Military Spouses

Veterans Day is more than just a day to recognize those who served our country. It is much more than just a day off from work or school. Veterans Day is a day to fully understand the individuals who signed a contract declaring their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. This individual is someone who, at some point in life, wrote a check to the United States of America for an amount up to and including his or her life. This is also a day for us as veterans to reflect on the honorable duty served and the impact we made.

Veterans Day is a tribute to military veterans who have served in any of the United States Armed Forces. Although Memorial Day honors those, who died while in service, Veterans Day honors all military veterans. When it comes to service to your nation, no other commitment matches this great value made to our country.

Jason Yankovitz, Account Executive at Salute Mission Critical and Army Veteran

As a military spouse, we are often told thank you on holidays that are meant for our servicemembers, specifically on days such as Veterans Day. While I graciously accept their gratitude, I often wonder if they know why they are thanking me or if it’s instilled in them to thank a military spouse or a veteran spouse. Often, I hear, “well, you serve too” while that might have an inkling of truth behind it, we aren’t the ones who have woken up daily, put on the uniform and served our wonderful nation. The military is absolutely part of our identity, but we aren’t the veterans. In truth, every day is Veterans Day for military spouses, veteran spouses and widowers. Every single day we are surrounded by reminders of what our veterans have done to serve this country and the sacrifices that they have made while serving. We, as spouses, don’t need a special day to be reminded of those things and to be grateful for the freedoms that we have. Fortunately, we have a great appreciation for veterans that many may not have. There are less than 1% serving in our armed forces, so many may view this day as just a long weekend and not truly know the meaning behind it. On this day, we honor the members who have served that are still living.

Rebecca Thigpen, Talent Acquisition Associate and Military Spouse

We must remember our service personnel; if we don’t, all their sacrifices will be meaningless. They die for us, for their country, for our freedom, for their families, and for their friends; they uphold deep rooted traditions and fight for what they believe in without thinking twice about their own safety so we can all live our life. On Veterans Day or any other day, we should all support veterans in any way we can; we should remember the fallen, uphold their traditions and thank everyone who serves selflessly for their country.

Fabrice Vaisset, EMEA Operations Manager at Salute Mission Critical and Military Veteran

November 11 is Veteran’s Day in the United States, but for much of the rest of the world and especially in Europe, it is Armistice Day, the day that marks the end of World War I.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the armistice was signed, over 20 million people had lost their lives. To the members of the British Commonwealth, it is Remembrance Day and is often symbolized by the red poppy immortalized in the poem “In Flanders Fields.” These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red color an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war. This is why you will see Poppy’s being handed out on November 11th every year by various organizations.

Veterans Day / Armistice Day was set aside to remember the sacrifices made by everyday people who were called to service to defend their homeland and who left home in the U.S. to help defend the lands of our European Allies.

As a U.S. Veteran, Veterans Day is not about getting amazing discounts on a new home appliance; it’s about taking a minute and realizing that we are a part of something much larger than ourselves. We veterans share a common bond that transcends nationality and political divide. We have our freedoms because someone before us made significant sacrifices, placed themselves in mortal danger and may never have returned home to ensure that others could live without tyranny. We all stand on the shoulders of giants and have benefited from those sacrifices. In my perspective, patriotism is not about parades and flying a flag on certain days of the year. It’s about looking out for those around you with honesty and integrity, taking care of those who need help and remembering that we are all connected to one another.

I joined the Navy to serve, and I was privileged to serve with some extraordinary people from each U.S. service and many foreign Militaries. When I think of Veterans Day, I think about my fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and our military allies across the globe. This is a team sport, and I was just lucky enough to be put into the game on a few occasions. TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED – I’m honored to be in your company.

Blake Cooper, Global Director of EHS at Salute Mission Critical and Navy Veteran

Giving Back to Those Who Served

There are many ways to show thanks; turn those thoughts of gratitude into actions and reach out and become an advocate for veterans.

First off, take a moment, and talk to veterans; let them express some of their thoughts and struggles. Better yet, just ask them about their experiences and just listen to them. Don’t wait until it’s your turn to speak; let them shine and tell their stories while having your full attention. Find out their challenges and listen for a way that you can help. Many veterans are dealing with many challenges, whether it be the medical system, a cut in their benefits or health issues that their service might have caused. They may not be looking to you for a solution, but sometimes just an ear to vent to helps more than one knows. In truth, several may not even be struggling at all, and that’s wonderful. Also, when asking them about their experience, be weary and understanding of moments they do not want to talk about or relive. It can be triggering for them. So, just try to be aware of what they want to talk about and let them tell their stories. Every single Veteran has their own story to tell and own experience to share. Veterans Day is about the journey of past members who have served.

Showing appreciation for their service makes a huge difference and can be done by supporting them individually and as a society.

Here are some other easy ways to show support:

• Pay for their meal at a restaurant,
• Support their spouses – giving their spouses a chance to work for a company without having a lot of work experience,
• Shop on smile.Amazon because if you choose a charity to fund, the donations go to the charity of your choice,
• Help a veteran achieve their goals by donating to a verified go.fundme fundraiser,
• Support businesses that support veterans,
• Lastly, hire veterans whenever you can.

One reason that Salute employees stand behind its vision is that, as a company, we seek out veterans and give them a chance to transition into the civilian world once they take off their boots for the last time.