VA Calls on All Vets to Wear Their Medals

As part of its Veterans Pride Initiative, the Veterans Administration (VA) is calling on all 24 million U.S. veterans to wear their military decorations on Veterans Day.

"By wearing our decorations, we show the world the unity of our support for the U.S. armed forces and our pride in the men and women serving today on the frontlines of freedom," said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield in a press release. "We also teach the meaning and the value of military service to the children of America."

Mansfield, himself a decorated and wounded combat veteran of the Vietnam War, will take part in the national observance of Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 11. Most of the 125 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and many of the Department’s 153 hospitals will be holding their own observances.

"Americans are blessed to live in a nation of democracy and freedom," said Mansfield in his Veterans Day message. "For these blessings we thank our veterans. Here and in communities across this great country, we honor veterans for protecting and securing democracy and freedom throughout our history."

Originally conceived to mark the end of World War I in 1918 – when an armistice for "the war to end all wars" began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – Veterans Day now honors the service of everyone who has ever served in the U.S. military.

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