| Advertisement |
Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday that all Americans owe a debt to military veterans to come together and support democracy. Speaking at the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Harris honored those who have served, giving a speech and laying a wreath.
Advertisement
"Veterans swear an oath not to a person and not to a party, but to the Constitution of the United States...to preserve and protect our democracy," she said.
Harris praised veterans for unwavering courage, unmatched talent and unshakeable devotion. And to recognize and truly honor them, Americans must come together as one nation.
She said she has seen firsthand how America's armed forces protect the highest ideals of our nation around the world.
Harris recognized World War II Army veteran Abe Lorrie from the audience. He served in Europe.
Harris quoted Lorrie, saying "'In the service, we were one people' -- one people."
"That is who we are," Harris said. "That is who we must be. One nation, united for liberty, united for equality, united for democracy. One nation united to preserve and strengthen the freedoms our veterans gave so much to defend."
The Nov. 11 holiday goes back to the end of World War I when fighting ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. In 1938, Congress officially made it a national holiday.
In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. While a law in 1968 changed the celebration date to the fourth Monday in October, Congress returned the observance to its traditional date in 1978.
To celebrate the holiday this year, President Joe Biden spoke about honoring those who have served and ensuring they get the proper healthcare and treatment they need.
"I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor, courage and sacrifice of these patriots through appropriate ceremonies and private prayers, and by observing two minutes of silence for our nation's veterans," Biden said in a statement.
The president was in Egypt on Friday for the COP27 climate conference.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund hosted an observance at the memorial wall in Washington, marking the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the memorial.
Most banks will be closed on Friday and the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail. However, UPS and FedEx will continue to make deliveries. Federal courts and non-essential government offices will also be closed, as will most school districts.
Retail stores and restaurants will be open, with many of the biggest chains offering discounts to veterans. Dunkin' Donuts will give out a free donut to veterans and active-duty military members. Starbucks will offer a free tall hot coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses and Denny's will offer a complimentary Grand Slam to all active, non-active and retired military personnel.
