What is Veterans Day?
Many individuals confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. The U.S. Department of Defense explains that Memorial Day was created to pay tribute to fallen soldiers, while Veterans Day is a way to thank living soldiers for their sacrifice and courage.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I. The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the War on June 28, 1919, however, fighting had ceased months before. The Allies and Central Powers put an armistice, or a truce, into effect on November 11, 1918. In 1926, the U.S. Congress officially recognized November 11, 1918 as the end of WWI and it became a national holiday in 1938. Congress created Armistice Day to honor those who bravely fought in the "war to end all wars." However, WWII and the Korean War prompted Congress to change the name of the holiday to Veterans Day to include all soldiers who served.
Veterans Day is a multinational holiday since many countries were involved in WWI. Canada and Australia celebrate "Remembrance Day" on November 11th and is more similar to the United States' Memorial Day. Great Britain also named the holiday "Remembrance Day," but it is celebrated on the Sunday closest to November 11th.
What is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states that its mission is "to provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned- and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship." The VA is responsible for providing benefits, health care, and other services to veterans. The VA carries out its responsibilities through three federal agencies: the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).
The Veterans Benefits Administration provides an array of service to veterans and their families. Some services and benefits include the following: compensation service, pension and fiduciary service, insurance service, education service, etc.
The Veterans Health Administration is the "largest integrated health care system in the United States. The VHA is dedicated to providing health services to veterans and their families, and lists some health care providers on their website.
The National Cemetery Administration is a Veterans Affairs cemetery where veterans can be buried if specific requirements are met. The NCA "offers veterans and their eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice."
For More Information
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau lists statistics about the Veteran population such as the number of female veterans in the U.S., total number of veterans, demographic profiles of veterans, etc.
National Archives
The National Archives are the nation's record keeper collects documents that are essential to American history. The National Archives provides records and resources on Veterans Day.
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense provides military forces to deter war and protect the security of the United States. The Department of Defense allows you to test your Veterans Day knowledge with a four-question quiz.
The OSU Library
The Government Documents Department, located on the fifth floor, has materials from the U.S. Department of Defense documenting all wars, from the Civil War to 9/11. War of the Rebellion is a book published by the War Department and documents the Civil War. Pentagon 9/11 is another resource and was published by the Defense Studies Series. Furthermore, The Military Review is the Professional Journal of the U.S. Army and is issued bimonthly. Check out these resources and visit the fifth floor of the library to look at displays for Veterans Day.
~Emily Hancz
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