Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day and the Duty Beyond the Day. Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell

Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it's a call to honor, reflect, and recommit to caring for those who served. As we mark November 11, let’s thank our veterans and remember why this day

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, a time when our nation pauses to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. From the front lines of global conflict to the quiet resilience of peacetime service, veterans have carried the weight of our freedom with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.

But gratitude should never be confined to a single day.

🕊️ How Veterans Day Began

Veterans Day traces its origins to Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Originally meant to honor WWI veterans, it was renamed in 1954 to include all American veterans, living and deceased, who served in any war or conflict.

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates those still living, recognizing their service and sacrifices across generations.

🙏 A Thank You That Echoes

To every veteran in Kinston, across North Carolina, and throughout the country: Thank you.   Thank you for your courage, your discipline, your sleepless nights, and your quiet strength. Thank you for the years you gave, the families you left behind, and the battles—seen and unseen—you continue to fight.

🛠️ The Work We Still Owe

While parades and ceremonies are meaningful, they are not enough. Veterans face challenges every day—mental health struggles, housing insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and underemployment. These issues don’t disappear after November 11.

We must do better.

• Support year-round mental health services

• Ensure access to affordable housing and job training

• Hold institutions accountable for veteran care

• Create community spaces where veterans feel seen, heard, and valued

  
  

📅 What’s Closed on Veterans Day

As a federal holiday, many services and businesses will be closed:

• Post offices and federal buildings

• Banks

• Public schools (in most districts)

• DMV offices

• Some local government offices and libraries

  
  

Retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores may remain open, often with special Veterans Day discounts.

🌟 How to Make the Most of Your Day Off

Use this time not just to rest—but to reflect, connect, and grow:

• Reach out to a veteran: Call, visit, or send a message of thanks.

• Attend a local ceremony: Show your support in person.

• Volunteer: Help at a shelter, food bank, or veteran support group.

• Start a new hobby: Try journaling, crafting, or reading a book about military history or resilience.

• Practice gratitude: Write down what freedom means to you—and who made it possible.