Veterans Day Study: Nevada Provides More Support For Military Veterans

Veterans Day. A single day set aside to honor the tremendous sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Originally set to commemorate the end of World War I on the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day, of the 11^th month. November 11^th. Although nowadays, our country may now observe Veterans Day on a Monday or a Friday to turn it into a holiday weekend.

So, with November 11^th one week away, let us all remember the purpose of this day of tribute. Whether serving in wartime or peacetime, the call to serve must always be honored. U.S. Military Veteran: we thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for preserving our freedom. Thank you, and your family, for your sacrifices.

I certainly mean every single word I just wrote in that tribute to U.S. military veterans. But it is good to know that our state is backing up honorable words with real money and support. As has been noted, Nevada ranks fairly high in financial support for our nation’s military heroes.

Specifically, Nevada ranks ninth-best in the nation for veteran spending. That's according to a recent study by the “medical marijuana card experts” at Leafwell.com. Per Leafwell’s press release, Nevada’s “total state expenditure on veteran care being $105,403 (per 100K) – 22% more than the national average of $86,310.”

Moreover, the top three states in the nation for financial expenditure on veteran care and support are Alaska (#1), West Virginia (#2), and Wyoming (#3). On the other hand, veterans in such states as New Jersey (#50), New York (#49), Illinois (#48) and Michigan (#47) rank the lowest in the nation.

As mentioned earlier, U.S. military veterans can receive help in getting a medical marijuana card on Leafwell.com. Ultimately, there is research which supports, and studies which oppose, the use of medical marijuana for mental health issues. Regardless, we can support all U.S. military veterans in choosing their own path to deal with difficult mental health struggles such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Veteran's Day is a day we set apart to honor all veterans of uniformed services, whether active or retired. The origin of this day goes back to World War I. Seven months before the end of the war, there was an armistice between Germany and the Allied Nations. An armistice is an agreed upon truce for a specific amount of time. The armistice went into effect on November 11, 1918, in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

A year later, in November of 1919, President Wilson declared November 11 the first commemoration of Armistice Day. He proclaimed the day with this quote:

"To us in America, 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" (va.gov).

Armistice Day was made an official holiday through an act of the United States Congress in May of 1938. The day was intended to celebrate veterans with a parade, meetings, and a suspension of business starting at 11am. Armistice Day was intended to honor primarily the veterans of World War I.

However, after World War II the name of the day was amended to include veterans of all wars. On June 1, 1954, Congress amended the Act of 1938 and replaced the word "armistice" with "veterans". And Veterans Day then became an official holiday, celebrated every year on November 11.

In honor of Veterans Day, we put together some basic facts that Americans should know about our vets. And a heartfelt THANK YOU for those who have served, or continue to serve, our country. We love you!

–Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas

Our military has six branches. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the newest branch, the Space Force.

Those who serve in the U.S. Army are the only ones referred to as "Soldiers". The Navy has "Sailors". The Air Force has "Airmen". The Marine Corps has "Marines". The Coast Guard has "Coast Guardsmen". And the new Space Force has "Guardians".

The VA has reported that there are around 19 million veterans of our U.S. military. That's about 7% of our adult population.

Just over 800,000 men and women make up the National Guard and Reserve. That's about 33% of the entire military. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force all have these programs.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are approximately 200,000 men and women who leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians.

Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.

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