There’s a special federal holiday in November that is near and dear in the hearts of many, especially at First Service Bank – Veterans Day.

As family and friends make plans for Thanksgiving gatherings, First Service Bank would like to also use this time to celebrate and show appreciation for those who have served our country.

Nov.11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday that honors all veterans of the uniformed services who served or are still serving during times of peace as well as war. 

In 2022, there were an estimated 16.2 million veterans in the U.S. 

BACKGROUND

The holiday has its origins at the end of World War I when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the fighting ended with the signing of an armistice. (Source: Defense.gov)

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, Nov. 11. The day is also known as Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Nations. Wilson's proclamation stated:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" 

Congress officially passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. On May 13, 1938, a congressional act was approved making Nov. 11 a federal holiday. In 1954, Congress — at the urging of veterans' organizations — changed the name to Veterans Day to honor service members who had served in all of the nation's wars.

Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day, a federal holiday on the last Monday in May, honors those who have died while in military service. Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, observed on the third Saturday in May, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

PATRIOTISM

First Service Bank – known as the bank with the big American flag – recognizes patriotism as one of its core values.

In 2019, First Service created the Operation Red, White, and Brave initiative. The bank recognizes the sacrifices veterans have made and is working to give back to those who have served or are currently serving in the military. In addition to providing volunteer manpower, the First Service Bank team actively raises money for the ORWB foundation through customer donations and special projects. 

First Service Bank matches dollar for dollar everything that is raised.

“The ORWB mission is to honor veterans and active military while helping to address their needs and the needs of their families through physical assistance and financial support,” said Rebecca Barnard, board chairman of the ORWB Foundation. “It is an honor to assist and support those who have given so much to protect the freedoms that we hold so dear.”

For more information on Operation Red, White and Brave or to support the program, visit firstservicebank.com/orwb.