November 11, today, is Veteran’s Day.  Although World War I, “the Great War”, officially ended on June 28, 1919 at the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, fighting between the Allies and Germany ceased (armistice) “at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh month” of that year, 1919.  To pay Respect to those who fought in what was thought at that time to be “the war to end all wars”, President Wilson signed a proclamation creating Armistice Day as November 11.  In 1954 Congress changed the name from “Armistice Day” to “Veteran’s Day” in order to include those who fought in World War II and Korea in the day of Respect.  Today, we have many more war heroes to honor.

Great Britain instituted “Armed Forces Day” in February 2006 as a day to honor her veterans.  Military honors given by the Crown have deeper roots.  Queen Elizabeth II, having served in World War II as a mechanic of all things, has a first hand glimpse at the dedication and sacrifices military veterans give to their beloved country.

How can we Live Royally on Veteran’s Day?  Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, we do not have authority to give honorary medals.  But, Today, we can express our gratitude to a Veteran personally.  If you have a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker who has served in our military, write them a note Today!  Tell this person what their specific service means to you, how you value it, or how you give thanks for the result of freedom.  Because Today is the day, and mail will not even go out Today, do call this special person in support of how this day has been set apart.  Ask this person if they would share with you what their service means to them.  Your interest in their work is a gift of Respect.  Receiving a note in a few days will be that extra pat on the back your Veteran richly deserves.

What you write is important, and equally so is the paper on which you write your grateful words!  See my Pinterest “Veteran’s Day Note Card” board for some beautiful Crane note cards, as well as some whimsical ones from Etsy.  As lovely as these note cards are, the finest gift of a note you could give would be a hand drawn card from a child.  If you have a child in your house, or in your neighborhood, set aside a little bit of time to tell them about Veteran’s Day, the Veteran in your life, and have the child draw a patriotic card for this hero in your midst.  The sentiment and the implied education to the next generation will mean more to this hero than we can imagine.

Anchor Note from Crane.com

Hand Engraved Fleur de lis Note from Crane.com
A nod to the Treaty of Versailles

God Bless America Flag Boxed Blank Note Cards from Etsy.com