Veterans Day 2023: Honoring Those Who Served the Country
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11th. This day honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The History and Significance of Veterans Day
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, when the armistice agreement for World War I took effect at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day in 1919 to reflect on the sacrifices made during WWI and to honor those who served. In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day is a time to remember that freedom comes at a cost. The freedoms people enjoy as Americans are possible because of the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line time and time again. Veterans have made incredible sacrifices to defend liberty, justice and democracy across the world. They are the embodiment of duty, honor, courage and commitment to a cause bigger than oneself. People are humbled by their selflessness and eternally grateful for their service.
Veterans Who Became Sports Stars
Many military veterans have gone on to have successful careers in professional and amateur sports. Here are a few notable veterans turned sports stars:
- Roger Staubach- Before becoming the Hall of Fame quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach spent four years serving in the Navy, including a tour in Vietnam. He won the 1963 Heisman Trophy playing for the Naval Academy.
- David Robinson- The NBA legend known as "The Admiral" attended the Naval Academy where he was a standout basketball player. Robinson served two years in the Navy before joining the San Antonio Spurs in 1989.
- Pat Tillman- After the 9/11 attacks, Tillman left his career as a safety for the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army. He tragically died in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan.
- Jackie Robinson- Before breaking baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, Robinson was an Army Lieutenant during WWII. He was honorably discharged after facing discrimination in the military.
- Bob Feller- Considered one of baseball's greatest pitchers, Feller enlisted in the Navy two days after Pearl Harbor. He served as a Chief Petty Officer aboard the USS Alabama until 1945.
These veterans proved their determination and grit translates both on and off the field. Their selfless service and athletic success have made them heroes and role models for generations of Americans.
Veterans Currently in Sports
In addition to the many veterans who went on to have careers in sports, there are athletes currently in the major leagues who served in the military first:
- Active MLB pitchers Adam Ottavino(Cardinals) and Chad Green (Yankees) are veterans of the Coast Guard.
- Minnesota Twins right-hander Homer Baileypitched for two years in the Army after high school before starting his MLB career.
- NHL goaltender Ben Bishopof the Dallas Stars served in the Army National Guard. Bishop often has military personnel attend games as his guests.
- San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Andrew Lauderdaleenlisted in the Marines after going undrafted in 2020 before joining the NFL.
It's motivating to see veterans who have served our country also thriving as professional athletes. They bring leadership, focus under pressure, and a team-first mentality to their sports careers.
How Sports Organizations Support Veterans
Sports teams, leagues and athletes make a concerted effort to recognize veterans and give back to those who served:
- The MLB and NFL sell official camouflage merchandise and caps with proceeds going to veterans organizations. Teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks host "Military Appreciation Nights" with reduced ticket prices for veterans.
- The NHL's "Hockey Fights Cancer" initiative began in 1998 and has raised over $20 million for cancer research. Many veterans face health challenges from burn pit exposure and toxic materials encountered while serving.
- NASCAR driver Kurt Buschworked with Veterans Affairs to design his #45 car with Veterans Day themes. The car debuted at Martinsville on November 11th 2022 to honor those who served. Busch is outspoken in his support for veterans.
- NBA teams like the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs regularly host veterans courtside and feature them during in-arena tributes. The Spurs even have a veteran-focused nonprofit called Spurs Sports & Entertainment 4 Vets.
- The PGA Tour introduced the Green Jacket Ceremony in 2022 where past Masters champions slip a green jacket onto wounded veterans. It's modeled after the tradition for each year's winner.
- Major athletes like Derek Jeter, Simone Biles and Michael Phelps have visited VA hospitals and military bases to spend time with veteran patients and families.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Veterans After Service
While these efforts to honor veterans are commendable, there is always more we can do as a nation to support veterans after their time in service is over. Around 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year. Here are some of the biggest issues veterans continue to face:
- Employment- The unemployment rate for veterans is higher than the national average, especially for post-9/11 vets. More vocational training, hiring assistance and veteran preference programs are needed.
- Housing- Too many veterans experience homelessness after leaving the military. Affordable housing programs and assisted living support can help get veterans off the streets.
- Mental Health- Conditions like PTSD and depression affect up to 30% of veterans. Increased funding for mental health services at VA centers is essential for treating these invisible wounds of war.
- VA Healthcare- Streamlining the VA claims process and expanding health services will provide veterans with the care they've earned. Focus is needed on issues like opioid abuse, suicide prevention and disability compensation.
- Transition Support- More counseling on benefits navigation, financial planning, wellness and community integration can set veterans up for success. A difficult transition back to civilian life should not be the norm.
Veterans Day is not just about looking back, but also rallying support to uplift the lives of the nearly 20 million veterans living in the U.S. today. As more veterans return home from recent conflicts, commitment to their post-service welfare must remain steadfast.
As Veterans Day 2023 approaches, all Americans to take time to thank veterans for their selfless sacrifices. Attend commemorations in your community, donate to veterans charities, volunteer at VA facilities, urge politicians to pass pro-veteran policies, and spread awareness about veteran challenges to help affect positive change. People owe veterans an enormous debt of gratitude we can never fully repay. The least people can do is make Veterans Day a meaningful display of appreciation and support for these heroes among us. They deserve nothing less from the country they fought to defend.
