Understanding the Symbols of Veterans Day: A Deep Dive
Published on
October 17, 2024 at 1:44:37 PM PDT October 17, 2024 at 1:44:37 PM PDTth, October 17, 2024 at 1:44:37 PM PDT
We honor Veterans Day every year on November 11th. Many decades ago, President Eisenhower set aside this day to give us a chance to honor our veterans. Every year we express our gratitude to those who have served our country and reflect on their sacrifices. As you know, this day carries heavy significance in the United States.
Veterans Day symbols serve to help us commemorate, remember, and display our recognition of those who have served. At Carrot-Top, we understand the importance of honoring our veterans. That's why we offer a selection of the finest quality American and military flags, crafted by top flag-makers here in the U.S.A. We're here to guide you in finding the perfect flag to honor and thank our brave veterans.
What is the History of Veterans Day?
Let’s start at the beginning. President Eisenhower established Veterans Day, as we know it today, on June 1, 1954, but the national celebration predates this. In 1938, Congress declared November 11th a national legal holiday known as Armistice Day, primarily to honor veterans of World War I and to commemorate the end of the conflict.
However, by 1954, veterans' organizations were advocating for the holiday to recognize all veterans, not just those from World War I. In response, Congress amended the 1938 Act, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation officially changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day, honoring all who have served in the U.S. military. There was a brief period when the holiday's date was shifted to create a three-day weekend, but public sentiment led to its permanent return to November 11th in 1978, where it remains today.
At its core, Veterans Day honors all members of the United States military, past and present, recognizing their service and sacrifices.
An Inside Look at Veterans Day Symbols
Veterans Day offers many of us a chance to take time off and participate in local activities that honor our veterans. Across the United States, cities hold solemn gatherings, parades, and events to recognize the millions of veterans who have served over the years. Within these celebrations, you can find various symbols designed to express our gratitude. Holding deep significance, each represents the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who fought to protect our freedom.
What Flower is a Symbol of Veterans Day?
You may notice people giving away or wearing artificial red poppies on Veterans Day. This symbol originates from Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's World War I poem, “In Flanders Field,” which depicts poppies growing among the graves of fallen soldiers.
Today, the poppy continues to serve as a symbol of remembrance. While it officially honors military personnel who gave their lives, it has become common to wear poppies on Veterans Day as a reminder of the sacrifices made.
Though Veterans Day honors all veterans and active-duty military, not just those who died in combat, the poppy remains a powerful symbol for recognizing their service and sacrifice.
Other Popular Veterans Day Symbols
- American Flag
- Bald Eagle
- Purple Heart
- POW/MIA Flag
Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
American flag
One of the most iconic symbols of patriotism is the American flag. Adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777, the original flag featured 13 stars to represent the first 13 states.
Today, the flag proudly displays 50 stars while retaining the 13 alternating red and white stripes. Each element carries deep symbolism. The stars signify unity among the states; red symbolizes valor; white stands for purity, and the blue behind the stars represents loyalty.
When you see the flag, it evokes a sense of pride for our country. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and unity, qualities that remain as powerful today as when the flag was first created. The flag holds special meaning on Veterans Day, representing the sacrifices made by veterans to protect the freedoms and values our country holds dear. By displaying the flag, we express our gratitude and respect for their service.
Bald Eagle
You will find that many symbols used for Veterans Day hold national authority for our country. The veterans served to protect everything our country stands for. That is why so many of the national symbols also trickle down to be symbolic of Veterans Day.
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. This symbol was selected to represent courage, strength, and freedom. It is often closely associated with military remembrance as well. You can find the bald eagle on emblems, medals, insignia, and memorabilia used to commemorate veterans.
The bald eagle was chosen as a symbol for its stately character and because it's native to North America. For Veterans Day, the bald eagle represents the bravery of those who have served and the enduring strength of our nation.
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is awarded to servicemen and women wounded in combat, symbolizing courage and sacrifice. While it primarily honors physical wounds, it also represents the emotional toll many veterans carry.
When you see a Purple Heart, it serves as a reminder of the bravery of those who served, both physically and mentally, and the sacrifices they made. Take a look at our Purple Heart Grave Marker, a meaningful and thoughtful gift to honor a loved one’s service
POW/MIA flag
Finally, the POW/MIA flag is another strong symbol that correlates with Veterans Day. While honoring those who have served, we must also remember those who were taken as prisoners or went missing in action during their service. While we may never know the ending to their stories, we do know that they gave for our country without expecting anything in return. Want to learn more about the POW/MIA flag? Check out our POW/MIA flag meaning and history blog post.
The POW/MIA flag is a reminder of the sacrifices made while serving our great country. While many families have yet to receive closure, there are ongoing efforts to locate and bring home POW/MIAs.
Conclusion
You will find there are several Veterans Day symbols designed to reflect and portray the significance of this day. All of the symbols represent the men and women who bravely fought for our country and offered many sacrifices during their service time. Use these symbols and Veterans Day as an opportunity to reflect on the day and all that has been given for our freedom through the years.
Looking for meaningful ways to honor veterans? Explore our collection of veterans flags and patriotic items designed to help you show your respect.