As businesses everywhere organize Veterans Day sales, promotions and giveaways, it's important to remember the true spirit of this national holiday. Originally, the event was named Armistice Day and commemorated the end of World War I. It's been through several changes between then and now, notably switching names in 1954, after WWII showed the nation that its predecessor was not, in fact, the war to end all wars.
Though the name has changed, the holiday's intention remains the same. Veterans Day is a time to honor the experiences and sacrifices of all of our former servicemembers. This year we switch the narrative from one that emphasizes their hardships to one that uplifts our veterans and gives them hope.
Rob Jones completes a month of marathons on Veterans Day
One inspirational story is sure to make headlines this year. As Time Magazine reported, Marine Corps veteran Rob Jones plans to complete 31 marathons in as many days – thanks to his prosthetic limbs.
In 2010, Jones, then a corporal in the Marine Corps, was looking for IEDs with a metal detector while stationed in Afghanistan. A mine exploded beneath him during the search, and both his legs had to be amputated just below the knee. Though he could no longer serve, Jones was eager to get active again after his injury. He not only relearned to walk with his prosthetic limbs but also to run, row and bike. His determination paid off; Jones won a bronze medal for rowing at the Paralympics in 2012 and biked cross country in 2013.
His current series of marathons began Oct. 12, and he'll complete his final race on Nov. 11 – Veterans Day – in Washington D.C. Jones, who noted veteran suicides are often driven by isolation and the challenge of returning to civilian life, hopes his story will inspire others who are struggling.
"Hopefully when a veteran sees that I was able to lose both legs above the knee and still have a purpose, still be a part of society, still contribute to my family, they can picture themselves doing it," he said to Time Magazine.
A retired Army specialist receives free home during Veterans Day Parade
According to a local ABC News affiliate, the 2015 San Francisco Veterans Day Parade came with a life-changing surprise for a retired army specialist. During the event, Jonathan Allen, who had to leave the military after an injury, and his wife were gifted a free house with the mortgage fully paid for. The home was donated to Military Warriors Support Foundation, a nonprofit that helps wounded servicemembers transition to civilian life, by Wells Fargo.
In order to be eligible for a free home, the Allens had to first go through a financial mentoring program. Although they were selected to receive the gift, they weren't aware of the surprise until it was delivered to them. The couple then got to ride through the parade in a horse-drawn stagecoach provided by the bank.
"It's life-changing honestly," Allen told the news affiliate. "I'm trying to make the transition out of the Military. I'm going to school, wasn't planning to get out of the Military then I got injured."