By Elaine Bruner, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC, FCM
There are approximately 1.32 million active-duty service members and 14 million veterans in the United States. Can you describe the holidays that recognize these men and women? Memorial Day and Veterans Day acknowledge and honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. They are distinct days that are often confused with each other. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was established after the Civil War to honor those who had fallen. Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for those who have died in military service or from injuries sustained during their service. Learn more by reading my May 2025 blog, Remember the Fallen | CMSA.
History
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, originated as Armistice Day to recognize the end of World War I. Beginning November 11, 1919, this observance marked the first anniversary of the end of “The Great War”. The armistice was signed on the 11th hour, on the 11th day, in the 11th month. Armistice Day, November 11, became a federal holiday in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day to honor all veterans, living or dead. This holiday honors all who have served their country in peacetime or in war.
Ever wondered why a red poppy is a symbol of Veterans Day? Blooming bright red poppies on the battlefields of Flanders, Belgium, inspired the poem, In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician. Below are the first two stanzas:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
The red poppy is a powerful, visual reminder of the soldiers’ sacrifices in WWI and symbolizes the bloodshed on the battlefields. In the United States, organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars distribute red poppies leading up to Veterans Day in exchange for donations that assist hospitalized and disabled veterans.
Veterans in Your Community
Where are the veterans in your community? In my experience, most are humble. Some may wear a hat or jacket that identifies their service. Others do not want to be recognized. Whatever their circumstances, these warriors are valuable community members. Their stories bring American history to life through social, cultural, and political views. Some may be recognized by monuments or memorials-visit them to appreciate their service. Many of you are familiar with “The Wall” in Washington, DC. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated in 1982, is a striking length of seventy-two (72) black granite panels with over 58,000 names. Like other memorials on or near the National Mall, The Wall pays tribute to the grit and sacrifice of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War. On any day, there are Vietnam veterans honoring their battle buddies with gifts, etchings, or quiet reflection. Pause to thank them for their service as they returned to a nation that did not recognize their service.
All of our veterans, living and dead, are worthy of our gratitude and respect. They served and sacrificed to protect our freedom and keep us safe.
Your next opportunity in case management starts here. Browse openings, upload your resume, and get noticed by top employers through the CMSA Career Center.
Search Jobs on the Career Center: https://bit.ly/4ot04aL
Bio: Elaine is an experienced nurse, case manager and educator. She completed her undergraduate studies with the State University of New York at Platttsburgh, followed by her graduate work with the University of Virginia. Prior to entering case management practice, Elaine worked in diverse settings including oncology, nutrition support, home health, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Case management offered Elaine opportunities to join transdisciplinary teams in cardiology, critical care, and ambulatory care. Since 2008, she has been associated with American Nurses Credentialing Commission, contributing to the Nursing Case Management (NCM) certification review products. She co-authored the 4th edition of the NCM Review and Resource Manual, with Peggy Leonard, and was the faculty for live workshops and webinar presentations. Elaine embraces her educator role, authoring manuscripts in CMSAToday, offering continuing education presentations, and coaching case managers to certification success. Elaine's current role, with US Navy, offers daily challenges, keeps her skills sharp and a smooth transition to retirement.