{"id":654,"date":"2017-10-31T12:41:43","date_gmt":"2017-10-31T20:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alaskahomesbybrooke.com\/?p=654"},"modified":"2018-02-05T19:58:43","modified_gmt":"2018-02-06T04:58:43","slug":"veterans-day-alaska-lets-celebrate-vets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alaskahomesbybrooke.com\/2017\/10\/31\/veterans-day-alaska-lets-celebrate-vets\/","title":{"rendered":"Veterans Day in Alaska: Let\u2019s Celebrate our Vets!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veterans Day in Alaska – Honor our Vets<\/h2>\n

On November 11 people all across our country will celebrate Veterans Day, a holiday honoring all veterans of past wars as well as those currently serving. Here in Alaska, a state with an exceptionally large military population, we love to celebrate our vets all year round. Veterans Day this month, however, gives us extra incentive to honor and show gratitude for the large veteran population we\u2019re lucky to have.<\/p>\n

History of Veterans Day<\/h2>\n

Before Veterans Day there was Armistice Day, commencing the year after WWI ended. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice, or agreement made in a war to stop fighting for a period of time, was made between the Allied nations and Germany. Armistice Day was made a national holiday the following year, and became a legal holiday in the United States in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, meant to honor American veterans of all wars as well as those currently serving or those who have served in the past. (Click HERE<\/a> for a detailed history of Veterans Day.)<\/p>\n

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5 ways to show appreciation for our veterans<\/h2>\n
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  1. There\u2019s a great quote by Roy Rogers that says: \u201cWe can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.\u201d In that spirit, the best way to honor and express appreciation for veterans is to show up. Attend, volunteer or otherwise participate in a Veterans Day event in your area to publicly show your support.<\/li>\n
  2. Fly your flag, but be sure to do it the right way. For instance, did you know in most cases you are only to display the flag from sunrise to sunset? However, if a patriotic effect is desired on special occasions, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day as long as it is properly illuminated during the darkness. More about the proper rules for display can be found HERE<\/a> on military.com.<\/li>\n
  3. Take the time to talk \u2013 and listen \u2013 to veterans who want to share their stories. We all know someone who has served or is serving in the military, but have you taken the time to ask them about it and truly listen to the stories they have to tell? Often the best way to show appreciation is to give our veterans the interest and quiet attention they deserve.<\/li>\n
  4. Write a letter. In a world that increasingly relies on emails and text messages, old-school hand-written notes have the power to make a lasting impression. If you know a veteran, write them a letter expressing your appreciation. If you don\u2019t, contact a local military base and find out where you can send letters to be distributed to those who need it. Even an anonymous note can truly make someone\u2019s day.<\/li>\n
  5. Treat veterans with a treat! Buy their coffee when you see a veteran at your local coffee shop. Pick up their lunch tab. Host a brunch or party in their honor. Whatever you decide to do, giving veterans something to make their day brighter and make them smile is a great way to show appreciation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Local Veterans Day events<\/h2>\n

    This is a short list of events we\u2019ve rounded up in the Anchorage \/ Eagle River area for Veterans Day. Be sure to check your local papers and community website calendars for more.<\/p>\n