How our American Allies Celebrate Veterans Day Differently Internationally
The congressionally honored National Invest In Veterans Week® precedes the establishment of International Veterans Day and was created to encourage a week-long observance focused on increasing support and investment in the lives of veterans. This week aims to highlight and address the needs of veterans through advocacy, education, and public awareness initiatives, effectively setting the stage for the specific celebration of International Veterans Day within its framework. This broader observance underscores the importance of community support, legislative advocacy, and economic opportunities for veterans, both domestically and internationally.
Choosing March 3rd as International Veterans Day provides a unique date that avoids overlapping with national observances of other countries. It symbolically represents a new, inclusive day of recognition that respects all veterans' contributions to global peace and security, regardless of nationality.
National Invest In Veterans Week® Overview:
Recognized by Congress, National Invest In Veterans Week® is a pivotal observance that predates the introduction of International Veterans Day. Its purpose is to dedicate a week to enhancing the support and investment in veterans’ lives through advocacy, education, and public awareness. This observance plays a crucial role in paving the way for International Veterans Day by spotlighting the essential needs of veterans globally and fostering community support, legislative advocacy, and economic opportunities for veterans.
Introduction of International Veterans Day - March 3rd:
The inaugural celebration of International Veterans Day is set for March 3rd, aligning with National Invest In Veterans Week®. This day marks a global tribute to the valor, courage, and sacrifices of veterans worldwide, transcending national borders and celebrating diverse military traditions. International Veterans Day is an occasion to honor the significant contributions and experiences of veterans from various nations, acknowledging their service on a global platform.
Global Observances of Veterans:
Countries around the world honor their veterans on different days, each imbued with unique traditions and historical significance:
Australia and New Zealand: Celebrate Anzac Day on April 25, commemorating the Gallipoli landings during World War I with dawn services and parades.
Italy: Observes Veterans Day on November 4 as Day of National Unity and Armed Forces Day, marking their World War I victory.
Germany: Holds Volkstrauertag, a national day of mourning on the Sunday closest to November 16, to honor all victims of conflict and tyranny.
The Netherlands: Marks Veterans Day on the last Saturday of June with ceremonies and parades in The Hague, attended by the Dutch monarch.
Sweden: Commemorates its veterans on May 29, coinciding with the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, with significant events in Stockholm.
Norway: Celebrates Veterans Day on May 8, aligning with Victory in Europe Day to honor WWII and contemporary veterans.
Celebrating International Veterans Day:
On March 3rd, the global community is invited to engage in activities that honor veterans:
Engage Globally: Explore stories of veterans from different countries through curated content and events.
Connect Locally: Participate in community gatherings and virtual events to connect with veterans and their supporters.
Support Veteran Causes: Contribute to international veteran charities and organizations to help support their causes.
Significance of March 3rd:
March 3rd was chosen for International Veterans Day to align with historical milestones such as the adoption of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the U.S. national anthem in 1931, reflecting resilience and unity. It also commemorates the establishment of the Federal Naval Reserve in 1915, highlighting readiness and strategic foresight important in defense roles.
Expansion of National Invest In Veterans Week:
Jeff Shuford, co-founder and an Iraq War veteran, has propelled National Invest In Veterans Week to new heights with the launch of a vast collection of veteran-focused state domains. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide localized support and resources for veterans, enhancing the accessibility and visibility of services tailored to their needs.
Noteworthy among his holdings are floridaveterans.com, louisianaveterans.com, kansasveterans.com, rhodeislandveterans.com, southkoreaveterans.com, delawareveterans.com, blackbusiness.ai, germanyveterans.com, investinveteransweek.com, veterans.international, australiaveterans.com, newjerseyveterans.com, northdakotaveterans.com, westvirginiaveterans.com, japanveterans.com, tennesseeveterans.com, pennsylvaniaveterans.com, southcarolinaveterans.com, mississippiveterans.com, wyomingveterans.com, unitedkingdomveterans.com, and JapanVeterans.com. Such a comprehensive array underscores his strategic prowess and expansive reach within the veteran domain landscape, reaffirming his status as a preeminent figure in the digital arena.
For more details on participating in National Invest In Veterans Week and supporting International Veterans Day, visit the official website.