Veterans Day is a holiday during which many of us reflect on the service of others. Members of our families who have volunteered. Were drafted. Served stateside and in war zones. It is a day when businesses close, schools are out, and life slows just a beat. In that quieter space, we recognize—as a nation—that freedom is not free. It has never been free. And the brave women and men who serve in our military—as well as the families who support them while home and away—are the reason we remain true to our national anthem as “the land of the free, and the home of the brave.”  

When a tribute to those who fought for our freedom in World War I was conceived in November 1919, the original planning was for parades, a brief pause of business, and celebration to commemorate those who served in The Great War. In 1919, President Wilson chose November 11 as the commemoration of Armistice Day by telling Americans, “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…” Seven years later, in 1926, our United States Congress recognized the end of World War I and passed a simultaneous resolution that acknowledged Armistice Day, “should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” In 1938, Armistice Day was declared a national holiday dedicated to the celebration of world peace. On June 1, 1954, with the first Veterans Day celebration held in Alabama by Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.  

Honoring service members and honoring times of peace look different for every American, but this day holds weight for us all. Here at the Boothbay Region YMCA, we’re celebrating a one-year anniversary with the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England to provide memberships to area veterans so they can feel surrounded by health, wellness, community, and care. This proud partnership with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs/VA Maine Healthcare is the first of its kind in our United States. Nationwide, there are 267 veterans currently enrolled in YMCA Veterans Membership Programs, eight of whom are members of the Boothbay Region YMCA. Since its inception in August 2023, 492 veterans have been served by this program. 

Building this community has allowed us to provide a space where local veterans feel the benefit of staying connected to community through their memberships. If anyone is interested in learning more about the initiative, contact Erik Sargent at VA Maine Healthcare at 207-240-5659 or Erik.Sargent@va.gov. If you or your family have the capacity to sponsor a membership for an active military member or veteran, the Boothbay YMCA always welcomes direct support to tell our veteran members they are seen. Respected. Rewarded.