From Bill Freeman

Veterans Day, often overshadowed by more flamboyant holidays like the Fourth of July, quietly stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States military. When thinking of veterans and Veterans Day, I feel an obligation to delve into the historical roots of this holiday and reflect on its significance. I also think about how grateful I am that our military personnel are well-trained, ready and willing to put their lives on the line to safeguard Americans and the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis. And if you think about it for long, you’ll likely feel a little gratitude also. 

Veterans Day is now celebrated on Nov. 11 — a date that carries historical weight. On Nov. 11, 1918, Germany and the Allies signed an armistice signaling the end of hostilities in World War I. This day of remembrance, initially coined Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson, was dedicated to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War. As President Wilson so aptly stated, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”

If you’re into history, you probably know that in 1938, Nov. 11 was declared a legal holiday, but it wasn’t until 1954 — in the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War — that Congress officially renamed it Veterans Day. This broadened the scope of the holiday, extending recognition to American veterans from all wars. On Oct. 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation, thereby giving it a place on the national calendar.

I’m proud to say that our city — though well-known for tourism, sports, music and health care — also has many incredible organizations that stand ready to assist veterans. Operation Stand Down Tennessee offers career services, transitional housing, recovery assistance and much more. The Wounded Warrior Project also comes to mind, with its mission “to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred a physical or mental injury, illnesses, or wound, co-incident to your military service on or after September 11, 2001.” Nashville Serving Veterans has partnered with multiple veterans organizations to form something of a one-stop shop for service members. These are just a few of many organizations with presences here to aid our veterans regardless of their circumstances. To me, this says a lot about our city and the people in it. It tells me that we don’t simply nod at the ill that has transpired in the lives of others, but rather take action to take care of our own. 

While we always want to honor our veterans, I believe it’s good to understand the distinction between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. While both are times to pay homage to the men and women of the U.S. military, Memorial Day is specifically designed to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in various wars throughout American history. In contrast, Veterans Day serves as a broader acknowledgment, celebrating the dedication and service of all military personnel, living and deceased.

While many may view Veterans Day as just another holiday, I hope most of us took it as an opportunity to understand its historical context and the significance it holds. It’s important to remember the courage and sacrifice of our military. Veterans Day allows us to pause and acknowledge the debt we owe to those who have served — and those who are still serving — and to express our gratitude for the freedoms they have safeguarded.

Bill Freeman

Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.