The very first Veterans Day was held on November 11, 1919. Established by Woodrow Wilson, it was to celebrate the one year anniversary of the end of World War I, which at the time was one of the largest and deadliest conflicts in the world. Since 1918, it is estimated that over 35 million people have served in the United States Armed Forces, and that number increases every year.

I personally believe that we all should celebrate and support our veterans. They have all fought to protect our freedom, liberties, and nation with some of them paying the ultimate price.

Since the Founding Fathers established our constitution and founded the nation, the United States has actively participated in over 392 conflicts ranging from total war to counter-terror operations. Over 41 million people have served since our nation was founded, with around 1,185,596 people perishing in both combat and non-combat related causes. Many of them signed up for the service not because they hated what’s in front of them, but because they love and want to protect what’s behind them, their friends, family, and nation.

However some people who served in our nation’s military did not willingly enlist but were instead drafted. However, they too deserve a day to honor their time in the service whether or not they had a say in what their job was, where they went, and the actions they had to perform.

Regardless of who they are and where they’re from, each and every person who served in our nation’s military deserves recognition for protecting and preserving our nation’s freedom and democracy. That is why November 11 was chosen to dedicate a day to our nation’s veterans and give them the recognition they deserve.

Some people greatly dislike Veterans Day. Some believe that it is a glorification of war, others believe it’s just another excuse for a day off. However veterans should deserve a day for us to honor them. Many had to leave for months at a time without seeing any family, and older veterans who served in conflicts like World War II were gone for years until the war’s end or they were discharged for injuries they sustained in combat.

This Veterans Day we the younger generations should take the time to show our appreciation to the Veterans of the Armed Forces by placing American flags on veterans headstones, flying our nation’s flag, or even simply shaking hands and thanking them for their service because without them there’s a chance our country would not be as free as it is today.