November 11 is Veterans Day in the United States, when Americans honor all members of the armed forces, living and dead, who served during times of peace or war. Unlike some holidays that are celebrated on Mondays so workers can have a three-day weekend, Veterans Day happens on the actual date. It derives from the day in 1918 when the armistice took effect ending World War I — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. A lot of other countries also honor their veterans on November 11 but call it Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.

Across the United States people hang American flags outside their homes, there are speeches and parades in big cities and little towns, and there is always a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington. A color guard representing all military services executes “present arms” at the tomb, the president lays a wreath and a bugler plays “Taps.” (Click on this Arlington Cemetery link to hear a rendition of Taps.)

U.S. servicemen and women serve “under the most difficult circumstances, and [make] sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine,” says President Obama in his Veterans Day proclamation. This is true of military personnel all over the world, of course.

There are some differences, though, between militaries in democracies and those under other types of government. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd U.S. president, put it simply: “If there is one basic element in our Constitution, it is civilian control of the military.” In democracies, military leaders advise elected leaders and carry out the elected leaders’ decisions. That is one reason Americans can honor our military and our veterans without a sense of fear or oppression. We know they are protecting us and protecting our freedom, and we are very grateful. That’s the truth. Back in the Viet Nam war era, soldiers returning home were often harassed and scorned, but today no matter whether you are for or against U.S. military action in Iraq and Afghanistan, you still support the troops. This advertisement is a great example of the “We Love Our Troops” sentiment in America (and the marketing of it).

President Obama also put in a nutshell the reason why American civilians feel good about the 1.5 million people who wear the uniform today and the 23.2 million who did so in the past:

“These men and women possess an unwavering belief in the idea of America: no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who your parents are, this is a place where anything is possible,” said Obama. “Our veterans continue to stand up for those timeless American ideals of liberty, self-determination, and equal opportunity.”

This brief article says it better than I can: Civil-Military Relations from the State Department publication Democracy in Brief.

Do you believe that civilian control of the military helps protect both a nation and the freedom of its people?