It’s been a big year for America. Earlier this year, we celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary (or “semiquincentennial”), marking a quarter of a millennium since the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
And on Veterans Day this November, we’re called to honor the courageous men and women who made that 250-year journey possible: the veterans who rose to the call of duty to defend the American people and the potential our nation represents.
The tradition of Veterans Day dates back to the end of World War I. After years of devastating warfare, an armistice was signed that brought the “war to end all wars” to an end. It went into effect on November 11, 1919, at 11:00 a.m. – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – and the following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the anniversary of the armistice as a national holiday.
“With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns,” President Wilson said, Americans had come together to render aid to allies in Europe. In the same way, Americans would later come together to mark the day with “solemn pride and gratitude” for the heroism of those who served. Over time, we came to call the holiday Veterans Day, honoring not only the heroes of World War I, but all who have served the country in wartime or peace.
Veterans Day is an important reminder that the peace and freedom we enjoy today didn’t come about by chance. It was hard-won by men and women who put their lives on hold —and put their lives on the line — in the belief that the American dream is worth fighting for. And when they came home or left the service, they continued fighting for that dream through their work, civic engagement, volunteerism and leadership.
That’s something we feel strongly about at The Glenridge. Among our members you’ll find dozens of veterans who have served the nation in critical moments, ranging from World War II to Vietnam. Their integrity and courage made an enduring impact on our country and continue to shape the future of our community.
And we’ve made our gratitude for their service a permanent fixture right at the heart of our campus. Standing proudly just outside our main building, the gleaming bronze Veterans and Visionaries Memorial Eagle measures nearly 12 feet from base to wingtip, paying tribute to veterans from each branch of the U.S. military who call our community home.
For the past 250 years, America’s bravest and best have risen to the call of duty. Now, it’s our honor and privilege to thank them for their service — in our nation, our community, and beyond.
Interested in learning more about our community? Send us a message or give our Life Planning Team a call at 941-552-5369. Or, to learn more about what life is like at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch – once again named the best senior living community in Sarasota (for the 17th year in a row!) – visit our other blog posts or find us on Facebook.
