By Hannah Amos
 
Veterans Day is more than a holiday or a day off work — it’s a time of honor, remembrance, and celebration of our veterans and those who’ve served. 

It’s a day filled with gratitude — and the Auxiliary, with the rest of The American Legion Family — to celebrate and pay respects nationwide. 

No matter the event, each one leaves a lasting impact on veterans, the community, and our membership.
To spread the impact of Veterans Day, ALA National Headquarters asked members to share with us their memories and traditions of this significant holiday:  



“Elberfeld, Ind., Legion Family blasts our cannon at 6 a.m. on Veterans Day 13 times followed by a community breakfast. The whole town is quickly reminded it’s Veterans Day. They have been doing it forever! I got to light one last year!”
— Darcy Pfeiffer, Indiana 
 



“Remembering Veterans Day in Johnson City, N.Y., back in the 1960s. In those days, towns across the Triple Cities — Johnson City, Endicott, and Binghamton — felt so deeply connected. Veterans organizations, like The American Legion, were the absolute heart of the community. Local factories, like Endicott Johnson Shoe Company, and schools paused to honor the incredible generation of men and women who had served in WWII and Korea, while holding close those navigating the changing times of the Vietnam Era. It wasn’t about massive, flashy parades; it was about solemn wreath layings, local school assemblies, neighbors shaking hands at the local post, holding big community suppers for free, and genuine community pride. To all who served then and now, thank you.”
— Brian McGuinness, Texas
 




“Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Veterans Day and other parades were tradition. As a little girl, I remember watching in unison everyone placing their hand over their heart before the Color Guards passed to honor and respect the flag — a moving and memorable sight. Today, over 50 years later and 5,000 miles away in Bellville, Ohio, the honor and respect continues. I am still moved when I see everyone rising to honor our flag and those who carry it.”
— Dayna Beyer, Ohio
 










“Tulsa’s Veterans Day parade is one of my favorite events. I love seeing all of the students thanking vets for their service!”
— Katie McInnis, Oklahoma 
 













“Every year, our American Legion Riders from ALA Florida District 5 line up the walkway at Beaches Veterans Memorial Park while veterans and guests make their way to be seated for the Veterans Day ceremony. It’s such an emotional sight to witness the respect and honor.”
— Virna Luke, Florida
 



“1. The year the federal government allowed/encouraged schools to bestow high school diplomas on those who had to leave school before graduation to fight in World War II. In my hometown, those diplomas were awarded at the Veterans Day service in the school.
2. Watching my uncle, who had served in Korea, receive his 55-year American Legion membership pin. As he was suffering from dementia at that time, I followed him to the front of the room to be sure he didn’t wander away. But I needn’t have worried, as he knew exactly what The American Legion was, where he was, and that his friends were honoring him.”
— Loree Hendrickson, Nebraska 
 


“Concord American Legion Auxiliary Unit 431 in New York, 8th District, has put on a big luncheon for the veterans, families, and people in the community after the Veterans Day service. We have been doing this since 1924 — 102 years — when it was called Armistice Day. We know this because we have the minutes from then.”
— Anne Bagilio, New York
 

“I am 87 years old and the daughter, niece, cousin, mother, and most importantly, wife of a veteran. I met my husband on Memorial Day at the VFW in my hometown of Philadelphia. We were married 65 years, and when possible, active in American Legion and VFW activities not only in Philadelphia, but when we moved, our membership moved with us: Philly, Las Vegas, and, lastly, New Hampshire. All of my beloved family veterans are deceased except for my wonderful son. I’m not active like I used to be, but this last July, I walked a mile a day for Wreaths Across America. My family visited veterans’ cemeteries several times a year, from Beverly, N.J., to Boulder City, Nev., and now, New Hampshire. We place flowers or wreaths on our family members’ graves to thank them for their service to our country and to celebrate them. Thank you to The American Legion and the VFW for all that you do for our veterans. We must ‘never forget.’”
— Patricia Hughes, New Hampshire
 
Though Veterans Day is once a year, the memories carry on and so does honoring our veterans. The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, through the Veterans Day of Giving, strives to honor veterans through this fundraising initiative. 

Your gift helps fund projects that address newly identified needs of veterans in communities across the country, turning your gratitude for one veteran into meaningful support for many. Donate today!