Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Serve and the Principles They Defend

Maj. William Maccully at Shoreline Rotary

Shoreline Rotary reflects on the meaning of service, sacrifice, and citizenship

As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day on November 11, Shoreline Rotary took time at its November 4 meeting to reflect on the history of the holiday, the changing face of America's veteran population, and the deeper meaning of military service.

The featured presentation was delivered by Major William B. MacCully, a U.S. Army veteran whose military career spanned nearly two decades. Having served from 1966 to 1985 as both an enlisted soldier and commissioned officer, MacCully's assignments included Germany, Vietnam, the southern United States, and Washington State. He served on active duty, in the Army Reserve, and in the Washington Army National Guard, beginning his career as a private and concluding as a major.

Understanding the Meaning of Veterans Day

MacCully began by distinguishing Veterans Day from Memorial Day. While Memorial Day honors those who died in military service, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Rotarians watched a video Celebrating America's 250 year Legacy of Service. 

You can view the 4 min video here

Originally established as Armistice Day, November 11 commemorated the cessation of hostilities in World War I, when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

In 1938, November 11 became a national legal holiday honoring World War I veterans. Following World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954, expanding its purpose to honor American veterans of all wars. After a period when the holiday was moved to accommodate Monday observances, President Gerald Ford signed legislation in 1975 restoring November 11 as the permanent date, beginning in 1978.

Today, the holiday serves as a reminder to recognize the patriotism, commitment, and willingness to serve and sacrifice demonstrated by America's veterans.

A Changing Face of America's Veterans

An important part of MacCully's presentation examined how dramatically the veteran population has changed and how it is expected to evolve in the coming decades.

Drawing on information from the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pew Research Center, and other sources, he described a significant decline in the proportion of Americans who have military experience.

His presentation noted that approximately 17 million veterans are alive today, representing about 6.3% of the adult population. In 1980, there were approximately 26 million veterans, representing about 18% of American adults.

Looking ahead, projections suggest that the number of living veterans could decline to approximately 12 million over the next 25 years, even as the nation's adult population grows.

The demographics of the veteran community are also changing. Women are expected to represent a growing share of veterans, and the population will become more racially and ethnically diverse. Veterans will also increasingly represent the generations who served during the Gulf War and post-September 11 eras.

MacCully also pointed to the dramatic reduction in active-duty military personnel since the Vietnam-era draft. In 1968, approximately 3.5 million Americans were on active duty. Today, that number is approximately 1.3 million.

These changes mean that fewer Americans will have firsthand experience with military service and the obligations that accompany it.

Veterans Day salute at Shoreline Rotary

Service Above Self: A Promise That Endures

Perhaps the most meaningful portion of MacCully's presentation connected military service to the principles that guide both veterans and Rotary.

"Veterans embody the ideal of Service Above Self, one of Rotary's official motto," he observed.

He explained that every service member takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. For many veterans, that commitment does not end when their military service concludes.

MacCully shared the oath he took when entering military service, emphasizing that it was freely given and carried a lifelong moral and ethical responsibility.

He reminded the audience that America is defined not simply by its geography or the individuals holding elected office, but by the principles established in its Constitution.

For him, the responsibility of a veteran is to help ensure that those principles continue to be respected and upheld.

His message also extended beyond the military. He noted that many public servants, elected officials, judges, law enforcement officers, and firefighters take similar oaths when accepting their responsibilities.

The common thread is a commitment to something greater than oneself.

Remembering Those Who Serve

MacCully concluded with a simple but meaningful request: When we meet a veteran, we should thank them for their willingness to give up some of their personal freedom in service to the greater good.

Shoreline Rotary's Veterans Day program also included a video presentation and recognition celebrating fellow Rotary veteran Ray Coffey.

As Veterans Day approaches, MacCully's remarks offer an important reminder that honoring veterans means more than acknowledging their past service. It means understanding the values, responsibilities, and sacrifices that their service represents.

For a Rotary club guided by the motto Service Above Self, those principles resonate deeply.

This November 11, take a moment to thank a veteran—not only for having served, but for the commitment to something greater than oneself that military service represents.

AI helped to summarize this presentation for this article