Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a special day to honor the brave people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Omnia Group would like to express our deep gratitude for their sacrifices and contributions to our nation’s security and freedom.
The History of Veterans Day
Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was established in 1919. Veterans Day is always November 11th, regardless of the day of the week. It was chosen to commemorate “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” when fighting in WWI officially ended in 1918.
In 1954, after WWII and the Korean War, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
What Veterans Mean to Our Country
The U.S. Armed Forces branches include the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, and our newest branch, Space Force (established in 2019). When someone joins one of these branches, they are signing up to make incredible sacrifices to protect our nation and its values. In serving our country, veterans endure hardships, face danger, and often put their lives on the line to ensure our safety and freedom. Their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
Who Are Our Veterans?
According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, there are more than 18 million veterans alive today, which accounts for more than 6% of the population of the United States. The U.S. Armed Forces have been solely volunteer since July 1, 1973.
Veterans include men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, who are trained to perform a whole spectrum of roles. All members of the armed forces undergo training, both to be a member of their chosen armed force branch and to perform specialized functions within that branch.
Veterans are soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, medics, translators, pilots, journalists, cooks, administrators, armors, K-9 trainers, police, doctors, engineers, technicians, mechanics, and so much more.
Our Veterans in the Workforce
More than half of U.S Veterans are below retirement age. The Pew Research reports, “Veterans who served in the last 30 years make up the largest number of living veterans…” Many organizations have a policy of prioritizing hiring veterans, for good reason — as members of the workforce, they have a unique set of skills and qualities that make them valuable assets:
- Discipline and Work Ethic
Military training instills a strong work ethic, discipline, and the ability to follow instructions. - Leadership Skills
Veterans often assume leadership roles in the military, developing strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire others. - Problem-Solving Abilities
Military training requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to think quickly under pressure. - Teamwork and Collaboration
Veterans are accustomed to working in teams and collaborating with others to achieve common goals. - Adaptability and Resilience
Military life involves adjusting to changing circumstances and overcoming challenges, making veterans highly adaptable and resilient individuals.
By hiring veterans, employers can tap into this wealth of talent and experience. Veterans bring a unique perspective, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to service that can benefit any organization.
If you’re interested in expanding opportunities for veterans and benefiting from the experience and qualities they bring, consider reaching out to organizations like Hire Our Heroes, Recruit Military, or Veteran’s Employment and Training Service.
Showing Gratitude
It might not always be easy to find ways to thank a veteran on the day. Military.com offers the following suggestions: volunteering at a veteran’s organization, attending a Veterans Day event in your community, supporting a veteran-owned business, buying a veteran a meal, or sending cards, like Team Omnia did this year.
