Broadcaster Press 7 November 7, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com How to Help Veterans Day Facts and Figures Veterans in Need Millions of men and women serve in the military and make the sacrifices that such service requires. Risking their lives to serve their countries, veterans sometimes endure mental and physical trauma, returning home to face uphill battles as they deal with their injuries. Many veterans in need are not just in need of medical attention. Learning that their efforts and sacrifices are recognized and appreciated by the ordinary citizens they protect can make a world of difference to veterans as they recover from their injuries. Men, women and children who want to help veterans in need can do so in various ways. • Visit a veterans hospital. Contact a local veterans’ hospital to inquire about their volunteer programs. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that each year more than 75,000 volunteers spend more than 11 million hours in service to America’s veterans. Visiting veterans at the hospital to hear their stories can lift their spirits and aid in their recoveries. In addition, veterans’ hospitals may have volunteer opportunities that make it easier for hospitals to operate at optimal capacity. • Help a neighbor. Unfortunately, many veterans return home with injuries that affect their ability to make it through a typical day without assistance. Disabled veterans may be unable to do their own grocery shopping or maintain their homes. If a neighbor or nearby veteran is facing such hurdles, offer to do his or her shopping or mow his or her lawn. Such tasks won’t take much time but can make a world of difference to veterans. • Offer professional services free of charge. Professionals who want to help veterans can offer their services free of charge. Accountants can offer to prepare veterans’ tax returns for free, while attorneys can provide legal advice to veterans who need it. Contractors can help disabled veterans by offering to make alterations to their homes for free or at cost. • Employ social media to help local veterans. Many people who want to help local veterans might THANK YOU to all who serve and to all those who have served. not be able to do so more than one day per week. But some veterans may require daily assistance. Men and women can start a locally-based Facebook group for fellow members of their community who want to pitch in to help local veterans. Such a group can make it easier to share information and arrange help for veterans in need. Many veterans return home from serving overseas in need of help. Offering such help can improve veterans’ lives while letting them know their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated. Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day, was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, the anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1928, the United States Congress passed a resolution for Armistice Day to be an annual observation, and by 1938, the day became a national holiday. Differing from Memorial Day in May, Armistice Day, which would be renamed Veterans Day in 1954 under President Dwight Eisenhower, pays tribute to veterans who survived various wars. Memorial Day commemorates those veterans who lost their lives. Americans celebrate Veterans Day, while residents of Great Britain, Canada and Australia celebrate Remembrance Day. Those who want to learn more about Veterans Day can consider the following facts. • According to the American Community Survey, there were 19.3 million military veterans in the United States in 2014. Of those, 1.6 million were female. • California, Texas and Florida comprise the states with the largest number of veterans, equalling one million or more. • Veterans consist of people who served in the military. This includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Veterans serve in times of war and peace. • The word ‘veteran’ comes from the Old English language and means ‘old, experienced soldier.’ The first use of the word was documented in 1789. • Although many veterans are working, and the average annual income of male veterans is $37,000, some veterans continue to be unemployed. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall unemployment rate for veterans rose to 7.6 percent in January 2016. The unemployment rate of post-9/11 veterans or those who participated in the Gulf War reached 6.2 percent. • Upon retiring or being discharged, veterans may need help acclimating to life outside the military. The Department of Veterans Affairs says about 30 percent of Vietnam War veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. • Between 1971 and 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. It was changed back to its original date, November 11, in 1975 when President Gerald Ford signed bill S.331 into law. The change went into effect beginning in 1978. • An American soldier was buried at the national cemetery in Arlington on November 11, 1921. His identity was unknown, and the gravesite is known as the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.’ A guard from the Society of the Honor Guard stands watch over the grave each year on Veterans Day, and the president or another high-ranking member of the government places a wreath on the grave. Veterans Day occurs each year on November 11, marking the end of World War I. The day has evolved into a celebration and remembrance of the heroism of America’s brave soldiers. A special Thank You to all Servicemen and Women A special Thank You to all the A special Thank You to all the Clay County EMS & Fire Clay County EMS & Fire personnel for all that you do! personnel for all that you do! 115 W. Duke, Vermillion, SD • 605-677-7073 115 W. Duke, Vermillion, SD • 605-677-7073 For your Bravery, Hardwork, and Dedication to Our Country, We Thank You! VHS Athletic Boosters FAMILY FIRST CHIROPRACTIC CRYSTAL L. PADEN, DC • MICHAEL P. PADEN, DC CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIANS 102 E. CHERRY ST. #106 VERMILLION, SD 57069 PH: (605)624-9483 402 East Main St. Vermillion, SD 57069 605.624.4466 www.koberfuneralhome.com Veterans Day THANK YOU a grateful Nation honors our Veterans for their courage, sacrifice and commitment to the value of Freedom representing the United States of America 201 W Cherry Street • Vermillion • 605-624-4429 God Bless CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY WALK-INS WELCOME • MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED Quality Care for Pain Free Living! Thank You Veterans! www.Masabainc.com Thank you to all Veterans! FREE Breakfast for Veterans 6am November 11 - 11am Saturday, th Thank you to all who have served! Know what to do if you hit a power line. poweryoursafety.com (605) 624-2673 1410 E. Cherry St. • Vermillion www.clayunionelectric.coop 525 W Cherry St. • Vermillion • 605-624-5574