Veterans Day is not the same as Memorial Day. A lot of Americans get this confused. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Veterans Day honors and thanks all of those who have served the country in war or peace, dead or alive, MIA or POW, in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Gulf Wars I and II, although it is largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. As a veteran of 40 years myself, first as an enlisted airman and later as an Air Force reserve officer and chaplain, I am honored when someone says to me, “Sir, thank you for your service.”

It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the close of World War I in 1919. However, the fighting ended about seven months before that when the Allies and Germany put into effect a truce or formal agreement on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, was largely considered the end of “the war to end all wars” and dubbed Armistice Day. Unlike other federal holidays, Veterans Day is not moved to the closest Monday but retains its significant day.

In 1926, Congress officially recognized it as the end of the war, and in 1938, it became an official holiday, primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I. But then World War II and the Korean War happened, so on June 1, 1954, at the urging of veterans’ service organizations, Congress amended the commemoration yet again by changing the word “armistice” to “veterans” so the day would honor American vets of all wars. Other countries celebrate it, too, in their own ways.

On Monday, many flags will be displayed and saluted. Here are some flag facts to share with you about our great country:

• There have been 27 versions of the American flag. From the 1777 original that had 13 stars and 13 stripes for the American colonies, there have been many changes. Each time a state was added to the union, a star was added.
• With proper illumination so that it can been seen in the dark, a flag can be displayed for all 24 hours.
• The red, white, and blue colors did not happen by accident. The founding fathers wanted the colors to have meaning. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white signifies purity and innocence; blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
• Our current design is the only one to have lasted more than 50 years, likely because no state has been added to the union since Hawaii in August 1959.
• US flags fly at half-staff when a nation or a state is in mourning for someone, in honor of Memorial Day, or after a national tragedy.
• The nickname Old Glory was given by sea captain William Driver specifically to his own flag in 1831, when he saw that flag flying on the mast of his ship. Later, the name became synonymous with any American flag.
• The proper way for civilians to view a flag during a parade or review, or when it is being raised or lowered in a ceremony, is to face the flag with their right hand over their heart.

So, I hope you enjoy the day of honor on Monday and be refreshed and proud Americans as we get back to work again on Tuesday after a long and well-deserved rest.