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What is Veterans Day?

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Veterans are men and women who have served in the . More than 48 million Americans have served in times of and since 1776.

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the that ended World I. An is an agreement to end fighting signed by opponents in a .

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Day on November 11, 1919. He wanted America to have a day to reflect on the of veterans who died in service.

The was that World I would be "the to end all wars," but another broke out in Europe only a few years later. Sadly, in the following years, hundreds of thousands of Americans lost their lives in World II and the Korean .

In 1953, Alfred King, a shoe store owner in Emporia, Kansas, had an idea. Alfred believed it was important to expand Day to celebrate veterans of all wars, not just those who served in World I. He began a to turn Day into "All" Veterans Day.

With the support of the Emporia community, and help from U.S. Representative Ed Rees, also from Emporia, a bill to replace " Day" with "Veterans Day" was pushed through . President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954, and November 11 has been known as Veterans Day ever since.

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring personnel who died in the service of our country, especially those who died in .

Veterans Day is a day set aside to all people who served honorably in the , both living and veterans, in wartime and peacetime.

There are approximately 25 million living veterans. Veterans Day is a day to thank these living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our nation are appreciated and to emphasize that all people who serve, not only those who have died, have sacrificed on behalf of our freedom.

Several other countries their veterans each year on November 11. However, the name and types of commemorations differ from Veterans Day celebrations in the United States.

Canada and Australia observe "Remembrance Day" on November 11, and Great Britain observes "Remembrance Day" on the Sunday nearest to November 11. In Australia, Remembrance Day is very much like America's Memorial Day, a day to that nation's veterans who died during a .

Much like U.S. Veterans Day celebrations, Canada's Remembrance Day honors all who have served in Canada's Armed Forces. On this day, Canadians wear red poppy flowers in of their dead. In the United States, the wearing of poppy flowers is usually reserved for Memorial Day, not Veterans Day.

Many cities around the country hold community parades and events to and thank their local veterans and heroes. The most famous Veterans Day observance in the United States takes place at the of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

At 11 A.M., the same time of the signing of the to end World I, two minutes of silence are observed, and the President of the United States places a wreath at the .

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Veterans are men and women who have served in the . More than 48 million Americans have served in times of and since 1776. Veterans Day is observed on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the that ended World I. An is an agreement to end fighting signed by opponents in a .

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Why do we celebrate this special day?

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DOGO News

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Photo Credit: Publicdomainpictures.net

On Friday, November 11, Americans will celebrate Veterans Day. The federal holiday honors the brave men and women of the armed forces who risk their lives to protect our freedom. They include members of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

There is often confusion between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, which is celebrated on the last Monday of May. Though both honor our military personnel, Memorial Day, is set aside to remember and pay tribute to soldiers that died in battle or from a wound sustained in one. Veterans Day on the other hand, recognizes ALL those who served honorably in the military, during war or peace. Its primary purpose however, is to thank the living veterans for their bravery and contribution to our national security.

Image Credit: popularresistance.org

The holiday, formerly called Armistice Day, was first celebrated on November 11, 1919 to honor World War I soldiers. The date was selected because it was on this day at 11:00 AM in 1918 that the Allied Nations and Germany reached a cease-fire, or Armistice, which led to the end of the 'Great War,' as it often called.

US President Woodrow Wilson, who began the commemoration, encouraged Americans to celebrate the day with parades and public meetings. Businesses were also urged to suspend work for a few minutes at 11:00 am to honor World War 1 veterans. In 1954, after America's engagement in World War II and the Korean War, US officials changed the name to Veterans Day, so that all military personnel could be honored.

Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade (Photo Credit: By Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

In 1968, to enable Americans to enjoy a longer weekend, US lawmakers moved three holidays - Washington's Birthday (Feb 22), Memorial Day (May 30), and Veterans Day (November 11) - from fixed dates to designated Mondays. However, the first Veterans Day celebration under the new law, observed on October 25th, 1971, resulted in much confusion. Additionally, most Americans were not happy with the change, due to the date's historical and patriotic significance. In 1975, President Gerald Ford finally succumbed to public pressure and reinstated the celebration back to the original November 11 date.

The US is not the only country that observes the holiday. It is also celebrated in the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Malta, and South Africa. While each country commemorates the event differently, the purpose is the same - to thank the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect others. So this Friday, be sure to seek out and thank the amazing veterans whose tremendous courage and sacrifices have enabled us to maintain our freedom.

Resources: Wikipedia.org,va.gov

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Everything You Want To Know About Veterans Day And More!

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On Friday, November 11, Americans will celebrate Veterans Day. The federal holiday honors the brave men and women of the armed forces who risk their lives to protect our freedom. They include members of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

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DOGO News

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Thank You (Credit: the4thofjuly.us)

Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11, is a federal holiday to honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. This includes everyone who has served in the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force, and the Coast Guard. The holiday often gets confused with Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May. While both pay respect to our soldiers, they each serve a different purpose. Memorial Day honors all US military personnel who have died or sustained a wound in a war. Veterans Day, on the other hand, pays tribute to all servicemen and servicewomen - both living and dead. Its primary purpose, however, is to thank living veterans for their service and sacrifices.

US President Woodrow Wilson started the 99-year-old tradition on November 11, 1919 to recognize the sacrifices made by World War I soldiers. The date of the holiday, then called Armistice Day, was selected because the Allied Nations and Germany agreed on a ceasefire at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918. The armisticeeventually led to the end of the four-year, three-month-long "Great War." In 1954, US officials changed the name to Veterans Day to include the men and women who had served in World War II (September 1, 1939 - September 2, 1945) and the Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953).

History of Veterans Day (Credit: usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil)

On June 28, 1968, the US Congress passed a bill to move the dates of three holidays - Washington's birthday (Feb 22), Memorial Day (May 30), and Veterans Day (November 11) - to a predetermined Monday. Americans were happy to get a guaranteed three-day weekend for the first two holidays. However, they were not as thrilled about celebrating Veterans Day on a floating Monday due to the historical significance of November 11. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a bill to revert the holiday to the original date.

Several other countries honor their soldiers on November 11 as well. In the United Kingdom, the holiday pays tribute to all soldiers, living or dead, while Canada uses the day to honor all living veterans. The holiday however goes by different names. France and New Zealand still refer to it as Armistice Day, while the UK, Australia, and Canada call it Remembrance Day. Malta and South Africa celebrate it as Poppy Day.

Coast Guardsmen, from Coast Guard Sector New York, march in the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11, 2013. (Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class LaNola Stone/coastguard.dodlive.mil)

Most Americans mark the occasion by participating in parades. While that is a great start, there are many other things you can do to show your appreciation forthe brave men and women who risked their lives to keep us safe. Invite the veterans in your family, or neighborhood, for a meal and learn about their experience. If that is not possible, seek out the closest veteran center and deliver some food and supplies or volunteer to spend time with soldiers unable to leave their homes. Most importantly, don't forget to thank any veteran you meet on November 11, or in the future, for his/her service to the country.

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Veterans Day Honors The Brave Men And Women Of The US Armed Forces

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Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11, is a federal holiday to honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. This includes everyone who has served in the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

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DOGO News

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Image Credit: happyveteransday.com

On Saturday, November 11, Americans will celebrate Veterans Day. The federal holiday pays tribute to the brave men and women of the United States armed forces who risk their lives daily to protect our freedom. This includes everyone who has served in the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force and the Coast Guard.

Formerly called Armistice Day, the 98-year-old tradition began on November 11, 1919 when US President Woodrow Wilson set aside the day to honor the soldiers who had fought in World War I. The date was chosen because it was at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918 that the Allied Nations and Germany called a ceasefire, or Armistice, which ultimately ended the four-year, three months long "Great War." In 1954, US officials changed the name to Veterans Day to include the men and women who had fought in World War II (September 1, 1939 - Sept 2, 1945) and the Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953).

Veterans Day 2016 in Kaneohe, Hawaii (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Todd Kabalan Air Force)

To enable Americans to enjoy a three-day weekend, on June 28, 1968, the US Congress passed a bill that moved Washington's birthday (Feb 22), Memorial Day (May 30) and Veterans Day (November 11) to a predetermined Monday. While Americans did not mind the change on the first two holidays, most were not happy to celebrate Veterans Day on a floating date, due to the historical significance attached to November 11. In 1975, President Gerald Ford gave in to the public's demands and starting, 1978, Veterans Day was once again celebrated on November 11.

When Wilson first established the holiday, he asked Americans to celebrate it with parades and urged businesses to allow workers a few minutes to honor veterans at 11:00 am. While these traditions are still very much a part of the celebrations, many restaurants and businesses have also joined in to honor retired military personnel by offering free meals and exclusive discounts.

Veterans Celebration Ceremony to honor World War II veterans in San Antonio (Photo Credit: Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shelman Spencer

The US is not the only country that observes the holiday. It is also celebrated in the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Malta, and South Africa. While each nation has its own unique tradition, the purpose is the same - to thank the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect others.

Given that Memorial Day and Veterans Day both honor our military personnel, many Americans think they serve the same purpose. However, the two holidays are very different. Memorial Day, which is celebrated on the last Monday in May, pays tribute to soldiers that have lost their lives or sustained a wound during a war. Veterans Day, on the other hand, recognizes all military personnel, both living and dead. Its primary purpose, however, is to give thanks to living veterans. So this Saturday, seek out one of these brave men and women who risked their lives to make yours better, and honor them with a kind deed or two.

Resources: Wikipedia.org,va.gov

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On Saturday, November 11, Americans will celebrate Veterans Day. The federal holiday pays tribute to the brave men and women of the United States armed forces who risk their daily basis to protect our freedom. This includes everyone who has served in the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force and the Coast Guard.

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Veterans Day

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Veterans Day - Veterans Day Quotes - Flocabulary

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Honor our nation's veterans with this educational hip-hop video and activities about the origins and significance of Veterans Day.

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Facts on History of Veterans Day

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Veterans Day | All About the Holidays | PBS LearningMedia

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Veterans Day allows Americans to honor military veterans across the country. Orginally celebrated as "Armistice Day" to mark the end of battles during WWI, the celebration has now extended to honor the more than 23 million veterans in the United States.

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What is important to know?

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History of Veterans Day.

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Fresberg Cartoon – Learning & History for Students

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Veterans Day (Educational Videos for Students) Free TV (History Cartoons for Children)

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What we need to know.

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Kids learn about Veterans Day. The history and facts about this holiday that honors the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.

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Read and Learn some more about Veterans.

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Veteran's Day, November 11th of each year, is a federal holiday in the United States to honor all those who have served in the U.S. military. November 11th marks the day that the major combat in World War I ended. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson named November 11th Armistice Day.

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Watch Max and Moby learn about Veterans Day.

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Watch Max and Moby learn about our Military.

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What each of the 5 Branches stands for.

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What we need to know.

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Military Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com

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The military is the group or groups of people that are given power to defend something (mostly a country). They are armed, so they are called the armed forces. The military protects its country by defending it from the armed forces of enemies, if there is a war.

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What each branch stands for.

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US Government for Kids: United States Armed Forces

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Kids learn about the United States Armed Forces including the different branches of the military such as the army, air force, navy, marines, and coast guard. Why do we have a military and who is in charge?

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Each branch has their own anthem.

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US Military Songs: United States Armed Forces Medley

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All the requirements and duties of each branch

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Military of the United States Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com

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The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. All branches except the Coast Guard are part of the Department of Defense, which is controlled by the Secretary of Defense. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The Marine Corps is a part of the Navy.

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United States Navy Recruiting | Navy.com

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Are you considering the U.S. Navy as enlisted or as an officer? Learn about the American Navy and your career opportunities within the U.S. Armed Forces.

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The official website of the U.S. Air Force. AF.MIL delivers the latest breaking news and information on the U.S. Air Force including top stories, features, leadership, policies, and more. For in-depth coverage, AF.MIL provides special reports, video, audio, and photo galleries.

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Surprises for kids from families

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Soldier Homecoming 😢 Soldiers Surprise Their Kids [Epic Laughs]

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Navy Seal William McRaven: If You Want To Change The World, Make Your Bed!

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Ten Seconds of Thankfulness

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#CareEnough Mr. Rogers on the Importance of Caring

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Kids perspective

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Superheroes

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For the Heroes: A Pep Talk From Kid President

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on third Monday of January each year, near the time of Dr. King's birthday on January 15th. It commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a reverend and civil rights activist who lead the African-American civil rights movement in the United States. He is best known for his inspirational "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered at the March on Washington in 1963. His birthday was established as a national holiday in 1986, but was not celebrated in all 50 states until 2000.

Washington's Birthday

Washington's Birthday was established as a federal holiday in 1885. It celebrates the life and contributions of George Washington, first president of the United States and general of the American Revolution. In some states, the holiday is expanded to also commemorate President Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and is thus referred to as "President's Day". It occurs on the third Monday of February, near both presidents' birthdays.

Memorial Day

Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day commemorates men and women who have died serving the United States. It was first instituted to remember soldiers who died in the Civil War, and was originally called "Decoration Day" because of the tradition of decorating soldiers' graves.

Flag Day

June 14th is Flag Day, commemorating the official adoption of the US flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. It celebrates the history and symbolic meaning of the American flag, and is also an opportunity to remember those who fight to protect it and the nation for which it stands. Although it has been celebrated since the Civil War, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that it would be celebrated on June 14th in 1916. However, it is not officially a federal holiday, and only Pennsylvania has adopted it as a state holiday.

Independence Day

Independence Day marks the adoption by the first Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Every July 4th, Americans celebrate this federal holiday with parades, fireworks, games, and patriotic music, following Thomas Jefferson's injunction that,

"It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Constitution Day

Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th, memorializing the date that the Constitution was signed in 1787. Previously known as "Citizenship Day", it became an official federal holiday called "Constitution Day" in 2004. On this day, students learn about the constitution, the rights it ensures, and related issues in American government and history.

Election Day

The Tuesday following the first Monday of November is Election Day, when ballots are cast for elected officials. The first presidential election to occur simultaneously on this day took place in 1848, and the House of Representatives election was moved to take place on the same date in 1872. Voting that takes place on the same date throughout the country prevents earlier elections from affecting later ones.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th and commemorates all veterans of the US military. A federal holiday, it occurs on November 11th to memorialize the Armistice which ended World War I on that date in 1918. It was proclaimed a holiday by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.

Bill of Rights Day

December 15th is Bill of Rights Day, celebrating the addition of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution on that day in 1791. This holiday celebrates the freedoms and rights that the Bill of Rights preserve for Americans. In 1941, on the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the date a federal holiday.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on third Monday of January each year, near the time of Dr. King's birthday on January 15th. It commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a reverend and civil rights activist who lead the African-American civil rights movement in the United States.

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Toby Keith

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Military mottos from all US Armed Forces branches

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The Army, National Guard, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy all have creeds. A creed is an oath or saying that provides a value structure by which to live or work by. Creeds then set the tone of life in each service. If you join one of these branches, you will need to learn its creed. Army and Army National Guard The Soldier's Creed I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.

Air Force

I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nation's call. I am an American Airman. My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, A Tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of Freedom and Justice, My Nation's Sword and Shield, Its Sentry and Avenger. I defend my Country with my Life. I am an American Airman. Wingman, Leader, Warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, And I will not fail.

Coast Guard Creed of The United States Coast Guardsman I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman. I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world. I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged. I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders. I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share. I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties. I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems. I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others. I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live. I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril. With God's help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works... Marine Corps My Rifle - The Creed of a United States Marine This creed, accredited to Major General William H. Rupertus, USMC (Deceased) and still taught to Marines undergoing Basic Training at the Recruit Depots at San Diego and Parris Island, was first published in the San Diego Marine Corps Chevron March 14, 1942. 1. This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. 2. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. 3. My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. 4. My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit. 5. My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will. 6. Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life. 7. So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace!! Navy The Sailors' Creed I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

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The Army, National Guard, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy all have creeds. A creed is an oath or saying that provides a value structure by which to live or work by. Creeds then set the tone of life in each service.

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Honestly, the military isn't really what I thought it would be. Most of us, at some point, have moment of clarity in which we realize that what we expected of daily military life doesn't match up with reality.

And that's okay.

I think it's safe to say that most of us also had (or continue to have) a pretty decent military experience, all things considered. But what if the branches decided to be honest for a moment and give potential recruits a real vision of what their daily lives might be like?

Feel free to suggest some of your own.

1. Air Force

Current Slogan: "Aim High, Fly-Fight-Win"

The aiming high (actually, the aiming in general) begins and ends at the recruiter's office for most airmen. Most new airmen will neither fly nor fight. If you consider eating chicken tendies winning, then this slogan 25 percent spot-on.

Honest Slogan: "Come in, have a seat."

This covers everything from office jobs to the few pilots that haven't yet left the Air Force for a cushy civilian airline. It also manages to forget the maintainers and other airmen who work on the flightline as well as Air Force special operations - just like most of the rest of the military.

More importantly, it's the phrase you'll hear from your supervisor every time you make the slightest mistake.

How the Air Force checks the weather.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Basic Nathan H. Barbour)

2. Navy

Current Slogan: "Forged by the Sea"

The more accurate version of this slogan is, "Because of the Sea." The Navy didn't crawl out of the ocean. It was made to tame the ocean. But "Because of the Sea" doesn't sound nearly as cool.

Honest Slogan: "5,000 dudes surrounded by water."

This will be your life, shipmate. The Navy wants 25 percent of its ships' crews to be composed of women, but, in reality, that number is still a distant dream. Meanwhile, the port visits to exotic lands that you dreamed about will be few and far between. Going outside, all you'll see is water. Terrible, undrinkable, watery death. If you ever actually go outside, that is.

Sorry, Nukes.

Whoa! Two women in this photo. Slow down, Navy.

(U.S. Navy)

3. Army

Current Slogan: "Army Strong"

Even the Army came around to realizing this one wasn't doing it any favors in the recruiting department.

Honest Slogan: "A sh*tty job for anyone and everyone."

That's not to say the Army sucks, it doesn't have good gigs, or isn't worth the time and effort, but let's face it: It's huge, it'll take almost anyone, and there are so many jobs that you just can't find anywhere else, in or out of the military. Got a bachelor's in microbiology but you suddenly want to fly a helicopter? Army. Tired of the workaday grind and selling insurance to people who hate you? Army. Do currently flip burgers for terrible pay and then have to top it off by cleaning a toilet? You can literally do that in the Army.

All I'm saying is that if all you can be is a cook, then you might as well get the pay, benefits, and serious uniform upgrade by being all you can be in the Army.

(U.S. Army)

4. Marines

Current Slogan: " The Few, The Proud"

This is actually a pretty great and accurate recruiting slogan. The Marines put it on hold in 2016, only to reactivate it the next year - probably because this is actually a great and accurate recruiting slogan. The handfuls of people who do the crummiest jobs in the military using next to nothing are proud of it.

Honest Slogan: "Marines for-f*ucking-ever."

The only thing more honest is telling recruits how long the decision to join the Marines will affect them. I've only ever known one former Marine who refers to himself as an "ex-Marine". Meanwhile, old-timers at Springfield, Ohio, VFW post 1031 used to tell 6-year-old me that the only ex-Marine is Lee Harvey Oswald.

Yeah, this is not for everyone.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo)

5. Coast Guard

Current Slogan: "Born Ready"

The Coast Guard motto is " Semper Paratus," but "Born Ready" was the nearest I could find to a recruiting slogan - and it's a pretty good one, too. Still, it's a few years old and could probably use an update.

Honest Slogan: "Find a way."

Besides opening up possibilities to have Jeff Goldblum as a spokesman, this is a much more accurate depiction of life in a Coast Guard plagued by budget cuts and Congressional apathy. Meanwhile, the resourceful Coasties somehow pull off drug busts, ice breaking, and daring sea rescues. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are getting lasers on vehicles while 50-year-old Coast Guard cutters are breaking down 35 times in 19 days.

The USCG Cutter "Get Out and Push"

(U.S. Coast Guard photo)

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Current Slogan: "Born Ready"The Coast Guard motto is "Semper Paratus," but "Born Ready" was the nearest I could find to a recruiting slogan - and it's a pretty good one, too.

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Oaths of Enlistment and Oaths of Office - U.S. Army Center of Military History

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"I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."

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Metals of Importance and Distinction in the Military

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Metals of Importance and Distinction in the Military

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Serving in the military takes a certain type of person. Someone who can handle pressure and make difficult decisions that could mean the difference between life and death. A person who works in unison with others and acts on instinct when there's no time for thought. These soldiers, trained men and women who put themselves on the front lines, often act in a way that can only be described as "heroic," and to honor heroism, the American military branches devised a series of highly regarded medals as a show of praise and gratitude.

As you dive deeper into the history of Pearl Harbor and the Japanese surprise attack, you'll hear mention of the different medals that were given to America's finest. To help in understanding what each serviceman received, we've broken down the most prestigious medals below.

The Purple Heart

Likely the most well-known of the United States military medals, the Purple Heart is typically awarded to soldiers who are wounded during battle. Any individual who served in the United States military on or after April 5th, 1917-the day before the United States joined the Allied forces in World War I-and sustained an injury by an instrument of war would be eligible to receive this honor. Additionally, families of soldiers killed in action have also been awarded Purple Heart medals for their loved one's service.

Medal of Honor

Known for being the highest military honor one can receive, the Medal of Honor is awarded to soldiers who risk their own lives and go above and beyond the call of duty while engaged with an enemy of the United States. The medal is presented by the President of the United States and was first introduced on December 21st, 1861 as an award for United States Navy servicemen. On July 12th of the following year, the US Army introduced the medal to its soldiers while the Air Force adopted it in April of 1965.

Over 3,500 Medal of Honor citations have been handed out across all military branches to around 3,490 distinct recipients.

Distinguished Service Cross

For soldiers in the United States Army, the Distinguished Service Cross is awarded for extreme acts of heroism. To earn the Distinguished Service Cross, soldiers needed to be engaged in action against an enemy of the US or serving with allied foreign forces engaged in conflict with a force that threatens the United States.

The DSC was introduced on January 2nd, 1918 as an additional form of recognition before the Medal of Honor.

Navy Cross

The Navy Cross is the honor most likely to have been awarded to the servicemen present during the Pearl Harbor attack. The Naval Cross is identical to the Distinguished Service Cross and carries the same eligibility criteria, being awarded to soldiers who act valiantly but don't quite earn a Medal of Honor. The Navy Cross was created on February 4th, 1918 by an Act of Congress.

Air Force Cross

Like the Navy Cross, this adaptation of the Distinguished Service Cross has the same requirements for a member of the United States Air Force to receive it. The Air Force Cross was established on July 6th, 1960 and has been awarded to over 190 different recipients.

Silver Star

The third-highest honor awarded to military personnel, the Silver Star is presented to any member of the United States military who exhibits a level of bravery not meeting the criteria for a Medal of Honor or Service Cross. The Silver Star was introduced in 1932 and replaced the Citation Star, which was created by an Act of Congress in July of 1918 during World War I.

To learn about the heroes of the United States Navy, including many who earned the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, or Navy Cross, visit the many exhibits at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Oahu's Pearl Harbor.

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Medals of Distinction: Highly Regarded Honors in the Military - Visit Pearl Harbor

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Serving in the military takes a certain type of person. Someone who can handle pressure and make difficult decisions that could mean the difference between life and death. A person who works in unison with others and acts on instinct when there's no time for thought.

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Bet You Didn't Know: Veterans Day | History

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Educational Videos for Students (Cartoons on Bullying, Leadership & More)

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Veterans Day for Kids Cartoon! Learn Fun Facts about Veterans Day for Elementary Students