When is National Forget-Me-Not Day?
November 10th is National Forget-Me-Not Day.
What is National Forget-Me-Not Day?
Our soldiers lay their bodies on the line to keep our country free. When they return from battle with wounds and disabilities, we get to show our gratitude by supporting them in their disability. National Forget-Me-Not Day reminds us about the sacrifices these veterans have made and our duty to care for them.
Forget-Me-Not Day began in 1921 as a fundraising campaign for World War I veterans through the sale of forget-me-nots. Over 200,000 wounded soldiers returned to the U.S. from World War I. The country had not seen so many injured veterans since the Civil War, fifty years before, and the states were unprepared to meet this tremendous need.
Judge Robert S. Marx was injured during The Great War, and he took up the call for veteran’s affairs. He established the DAVWW (Disabled American Veterans of the World War), which is now known as the DAV and supports all disabled veterans.
Facts about National Forget-Me-Not Day!
- In 2017, there were more than 18.1 million veterans living in the U.S.
- There were 1.3 million veterans in 2017 with a 70% or higher disability connected to their military service.
How to celebrate National Forget-Me-Not Day:
- Thank our disabled veterans. Find an organization through which you can send a letter or a care package, and share their stories on social media.
- Support disabled veterans financially. You can sponsor a companion dog for a veteran with PTSD or finance Stand Down programs that help homeless veterans as they combat life on the streets.
- Find and volunteer with a home building program for disabled vets in your area.
What’s the hashtag for National Forget-Me-Not Day?
Use #ForgetMeNotDay on social media for National Forget-Me-Not Day.