Happy Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day. It was once called Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I. The Armistice was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.  At some point in the early 50s it was changed to Veteran's Day.

In talking to children about Veteran's Day I've found there to be two common misconceptions.  First, many children believe a veteran is someone who was killed in action.  That of course is incorrect.  It is any person who served in the armed forces including the coast guard.

Second, some children think veterans are people who served in a war.  That too is incorrect.  The fact is that the overwhelming majority of veterans did not serve in combat units in wars.  So any person who serves in any capacity no matter what they did is a veteran.

Take a moment to give quiet thanks to our veterans.  We enjoy the benefits of our country because of them.