WiRED International Marks
Veterans Day
Saluting Veterans in the WiRED Family
By Allison Kozicharow; Edited by Elizabeth Fine
WiRED International salutes all veterans on November 11, Veterans Day.
The purpose of Veterans Day is to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Nine former WiRED Board members were veterans, and five veterans serve on our current board, so through WiRED’s 25 years, 14 military veterans have donated their time to serve on our board. Among these veterans are Silver and Bronze Star recipients; a Navy Distinguished Service Medal recipient; a U.S, Surgeon General; a U.S. Senator; a Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy; veterans of WWII, the Korean, Vietnam and Iraq Wars; and doctors, pilots, air crew members, and movie producers — all having given their talents in service to the country. Further, each of them decided that they could serve again, this time in the cause of American health diplomacy, as board members of an organization that provides critical health education free of charge to disadvantaged populations around the world.
Here are some historical facts about Veterans Day:
- It was first celebrated as Armistice Day when the fighting in World War ceased November 11, 1918.
- President Woodrow Wilson signed the commemoration into law in November 1919.
- An act of Congress in 1938 made November 11th a legal holiday.
- Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.
At this point in time the United States is not actively engaged in war. However, there are two million uniformed military across the globe who currently serve our nation and millions more who have served and sacrificed during our history.
Test your knowledge on Veteran’s Day by taking this short quiz from the U.S. Department of Defense.