Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans.
It is a day set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.
In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971.
Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11.
Veterans, we honor and thank you for your service to our country...
Today is a very monumental day in the history of US politics. Make sure your voice is heard and get out there and vote! That is, of course, if you haven't already. And please be sure to remind and encourage your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to vote also!
By the way, also playing part in the political process are several companies offering either discounts, special promotions or freebies tied to this year's Presidential election.
Starbucks is giving away a free coffee, and Krispy Kreme is giving away a free donut, to anyone who votes today - election day, November 4, 2008.
Also, Biggby Coffee is offering $1.00 off of their Red, White and You Latte using this coupon.
Keep watch with a careful eye and I'm sure you'll find plenty of interesting election deals and promotions in your neck of the woods.
So, exercise your right to vote, and get a free treat or possibly save some money.
Just don't forget... your vote counts. Vote today!
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