Image by Fredrick Shacklett via Google Gemini

By Fredrick Shacklett, Commander of Whittier Post 51

On Veterans’ Day 2025, The American Legion joins the nation in honoring the dedicated individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and recommits our support to those who have protected our freedoms. 

Veterans’ Day, first known as Armistice Day after World War I, now honors all who have served in the military. Veteran’s Day recognizes their courage, dedication, and patriotism—sometimes in conflict areas; sometimes elsewhere.

For The American Legion—an organization founded by Veterans, for Veterans—this day is at the very core of who we are. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month will never be diminished nor forgotten. Our mission, “For God and Country,” is lived out daily through our unwavering commitment to all Veterans and to the four pillars of The American Legion.

The Legion Supports…

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

We work tirelessly to ensure that Veterans receive the benefits they have earned and the care they deserve. This includes advocating for robust healthcare services, fighting Veteran homelessness, and providing assistance to families navigating the challenges of military service and transition.

National Security

Our Legionnaires understand that a strong nation is essential to protect freedom. We champion the need for a robust military, support our active-duty Service Members, and advocate for the legislation and resources needed to maintain global peace and deter aggression.

Americanism

We promote patriotism, civic responsibility, and respect for our flag and Constitution. We believe in educating future generations about the sacrifices made to secure their freedoms.

Children and Youth

Programs such as American Legion Baseball, Boys & Girls State (a hands-on civics education program for high school juniors), Oratorical Contests (public speaking contests for promoting knowledge of the U.S. Constitution), Junior Shooting Sports (a safety and marksmanship program), and support for Scouting, we invest in the young leaders of tomorrow, instilling values of service, leadership, and citizenship that mirror the very best qualities of our veterans.

Veterans Day 2025

This Veterans’ Day, we honor those who have served and pledge our support to all veterans. Let us ensure our Veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned, that benefit assistance is available, and access to the training and employment opportunities available within our communities. And we will always remind our veterans:

“You are not alone; you will not be forgotten.”

Every Veteran has played a vital role in the protection of our nation, whether serving in combat overseas or fulfilling support duties. Their contributions—made in the air, on land, at sea, or beneath it—remain unwavering and essential.

Their stories—Veterans’ personal stories—are essential to America’s narrative. Each is a thread in the fabric of our democracy. Each tells us that freedom is earned.  And each of us should always be willing to listen and honor their legacies. When a Veteran speaks, learn to listen—and listen closely. Veteran legacy is our legacy.

‘Be The One’ on Veterans Day

What is on your Veterans Day agenda? Each of us has an obligation to be the one person who steps up and offers a hand to a Veteran in need. Be the one to say, “Yes, I will help you.”

Be the one to step up. Be the one to go above and beyond. The American Legion is the nation’s leader with our Be the One program. The American Legion founded this program with one goal: Stop Veteran suicide.

In recent years, Veteran suicide has been as high as 22 casualties a day. That should be unacceptable to any civilized society. The Be The One program is designed to identify at-risk Veterans and direct resources to them in a time of crisis.

The Mission

The American Legion recognizes and honors all those who have served in the U. S. Military. We express our gratitude for their courage, their sacrifice, and their dedication to our nation’s defense. We understand the true meaning of that commitment.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and our best, sincerest well-wishes to all Veterans, to all of our like-minded Veteran service organizations—and as always, for God and country, God bless the United States of America.

About the Author

Fredrick Shacklett is a 17-year member of The American Legion and Commander of Whittier Post 51. He is a past Historian of the American Legion Department of California (2020-2025) and currently serves as a Staff Photographer for the Department. His work consistently featured in The California Legionnaire, the official quarterly, as well as other military publications and social media websites. Through his photography, he captures the spirit and dedication of Legionnaires, providing visual documentation that supports the organization’s mission and highlights the contributions of veterans within the community.

Author: caLegion Contributor

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