Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran's day! 

Today  Courtney is taking over Living My Fairytale ... 

A Special Day

November 11^th is coming up fast, and with it, the scramble to figure out what to do to celebrate. Veterans Day is a unique holiday designed to honor veterans from all wars, those who have passed on, and especially those that are living. The day’s celebration began nearly one hundred years ago at the end of World War I.

On November 11, 1918, the Allied nations and Germany ended the fighting when both sides entered into an armistice. This went into effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. One year later, President Wilson declared the anniversary Armistice Day. Throughout the years, many changes took place, and it became a legal holiday that we continue to celebrate every year. Its name has been changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans from all wars.

Time to Celebrate

In remembrance of the bravery of our United States servicemen and women, focus your celebrations on expressing gratitude to them for their service and sacrifice. Below are a few suggestions.

  “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13

Go to a locally sponsored event. Many communities put on parades or a flag-raising ceremony where troops from close by are present. This provides a great opportunity to thank them in person for what they are doing. The ceremony may include the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. What better way to build community patriotism and unit?

Do your research. Besides the basics, most people don’t know about the history or meaning of Veterans Day. You read a brief summary of what it is above, but take some to get more details to then teach to your children. The government has a great and credible webpage about Veteran Day’s history.

Have a moment of silence. If you opt to stay at home for your celebration, you can still hold your own few minutes of silence to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Do some arts and crafts. Perfect for families with little ones, this is a way they can get involved and get the house looking patriotic too. You can use red white and blue supplies to make decorations, t-shirts, banners, a centerpiece, or just draw and paint. If you want to go all out, bake some delicious patriotically colored treats.

Say thank you. With this one, you can really get creative. Write some thank you notes and think about sending them to troops who are currently deployed. If you have a neighbor, friend or family member who is in the military, make sure to call or visit to express your gratitude. Or, head over to the nearest VA hospital with thank you notes and personally thank the veterans there.

Keep in mind that Veterans Day falls on a Sunday this year, which makes the legal holiday Monday, November 12^th.

Courtney writes about VA news for, a resource for veterans to learn about VA loans and save money on their VA mortgages.

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. -Elmer Davis

Thank you Courtney for writing this special post. 

Thank you to ALL Veterans!! Please, if you get a chance today, & you see someone in the service, has been in the service, just say a thank you. It can mean so much & go a long way!! 

Have a safe weekend!!