Thank you to all veterans for your time, commitment, and sacrifices on behalf of our great country!
President Biden issued a proclamation this week, stating “Each veteran and military family represents a link in a chain of honor that stretches back to our founding days, unwavering in their devotion to their loved ones who served in uniform. This month, we honor all of our military and veteran families. They too serve and sacrifice to answer our Nation’s call to duty. We owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay.”
Do you know why the United States of America celebrates our veterans on November 11 every year?
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, a temporary cessation of hostilities between allied nations and Germany went into effect during World War I. Although the Great War didn’t officially end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, it was at 11am on November 11, 1918, that the fighting ceased. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, the first commemoration of Armistice Day. November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, making this hillside that overlooks Washington, D.C. a focal point of reverence for America’s veterans. Soldiers from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War have also been buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In May of 1938 Armistice Day became a national holiday. Unfortunately, World War II and the Korean War followed the “war to end all wars.” In 1954 the act of 1938 was amended to read “Veterans” rather than Armistice. And henceforth November 11 became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
The sacrifice of veterans and their families is greater than an annual day of celebration. Our Federal Government takes that into account. Veterans can tap into various benefits that can help and support them throughout their lives. There are financial benefits for which veterans and their spouses or widowed spouses may be eligible. Your local Veterans Service Offices (VSO) can help you to take full advantage of the benefits available.
Veterans Service Offices:
- Beverly, VSO David Perinchief, 978-778-5000, [email protected]
- Essex, VSO Steve Bohn, 978-356-6699, [email protected]
- Gloucester, VSO Vionette “Vee” Chipperini, 978-325-5730, [email protected]
- Hamilton, VSO Vionette “Vee” Chipperini, 978-325-5730, [email protected]
- Ipswich, VSO Steve Bohn, 978-356-6699, [email protected]
- Manchester, VSO Vionette “Vee” Chipperini, 978-325-5730, [email protected]
- Rockport, VSO Vionette “Vee” Chipperini, 978-325-5730, [email protected]
- Topsfield, VSO Richard Cullinan, 978-380-8397, [email protected]
- Wenham, VSO Vionette “Vee” Chipperini, 978-325-5730, [email protected]
If your VSO isn’t listed here, you can find your town’s VSO at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-veterans-service-officer-near-you.
One of the benefits of being a veteran is the VA Health Care System. It is America’s largest integrated health care system and once you are deemed eligible it can be your primary care source or you can use it to augment primary care you receive outside of the system. Gloucester has a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic located at 199 Main Street. For information on services offered at this location, call 800-838-6331. If Gloucester is not convenient for you, visit https://www.va.gov/bedford-health-care/locations/ for a list of North Shore veterans’ clinics.
If you are a veteran, or the widowed spouse of a veteran, call your local Veterans Services Office with any questions concerning your benefits.
