On Veterans Day, November 11, 2021, we would like to honor veterans in the labor movement and all over the country who have sacrificed and risked their lives to preserve our freedoms and democracy. Many of these brave men and women have faced economic, social, racial and emotional challenges upon their return from service. Many unions commemorate and honor veterans by giving back with a Day of Service, so we would like to encourage our members to celebrate veterans, especially on this day.
The theme for Veterans Day 2021, is centered on the centennial commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Texas. The Tomb was initially dedicated by the Army on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, with the burial of an unknown service member from World War I. Over the past century, additional unknowns have been buried at the Tomb, and the site has become a people’s memorial that inspires reflection on service, valor, sacrifice, and mourning.