As family and friends make plans for Thanksgiving gatherings, First Service Bank would like to also use this time to celebrate another November holiday and show appreciation for those who have served our country.

November11,  is Veterans Day, a federal holiday that honors all veterans of the uniformed services who served or are still serving during times of peace as well as war. 

BACKGROUND

The holiday has its origins at the end of World War I when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the fighting ended with the signing of an armistice. (Source: Defense.gov)

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, Nov. 11. The day is also known as Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Nations. Wilson's proclamation stated:

"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…" 

Congress officially passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. On May 13, 1938, a congressional act was approved making Nov. 11 a federal holiday. In 1954, Congress — at the urging of veterans' organizations — changed the name to Veterans Day to honor service members who had served in all of the nation's wars.

Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day, a federal holiday on the last Monday in May, honors those who have died while in military service. Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, observed on the third Saturday in May, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

PATRIOTISM

First Service Bank – known as the bank with the big American flag – recognizes patriotism as one of its core values.

In 2020, First Service created the Operation Red, White, and Brave initiative. The bank recognizes the sacrifices veterans have made and is working to give back to those who have served or are currently serving in the military. In addition to providing volunteer manpower, the First Service Bank team actively raises money for the ORWB foundation through customer donations and special projects. First Service Bank matches dollar for dollar everything that is raised.

First Service bankers from throughout the state recently shared their thoughts on Veterans Day and what it means to them:

Courtney Magie (Conway branch manager and loan officer) - Veterans Day gives our communities and country a specific opportunity to honor the men and women that have fought, and are still fighting, for the freedoms we enjoy in the USA. To live in the greatest country in the world, many sacrifices have to be made daily by our veterans, and one day a year will never feel sufficient to pay tribute and thanks to our country’s heroes.  

Tonya Smith (assistant branch manager at Dermott) – Veterans Day allows us the opportunity to honor and celebrate those who have sacrificed to ensure our nation’s freedom. These men and women have put their lives on hold and on the line for the sake of our democracy. While they deserve our gratitude every day, Veterans Day shines a light on all who serve, bringing their care and needs to the forefront of our minds.   

Brittany Witham (branch manager and loan officer at Greenbrier) – Veterans Day is more than just a holiday that is celebrated once a year. It gives us the opportunity to show our love and appreciation to the men and women that currently protect our country or have in the past. These people deserve more than just a day but at least when we celebrate Veterans Day we can show them an ounce of the appreciation they deserve.

Bethany Hoyt (assistant branch manager for Marion County) – Veterans Day was created to honor all people who have served, fought and died for our freedom. We celebrate those who have given their lives and the ones who live on. Our thanks could never be enough to honor what they have done and continue to do.

Amy Still (branch manager at Yellville) – Veterans Day is so important because it highlights the sacrifices made by our military veterans. We are grateful each and every day for all of our military personnel and the sacrifices they have made for our country. It is with great honor and the utmost respect that we say “thank you.” 

Justin C. Welter (Conway assistant branch manager) – Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and commemorate our veterans for their bravery, sacrifice and love of country.  

Brittni Adlong (assistant branch manager at Greenbrier) – Veterans Day is important to me because it allows us to give back to the ones that gave up everything to go and fight for us. 

Franchesca Rose Housley (assistant branch manager and loan officer at Mountain View) – Veterans Day gives us a specific day to provide thanks to the men and women who have served our country, and to remember the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so we could live the lives we do every day. We are thankful for our veterans each and every day, but I enjoy having a day to be able to show a little bit of extra thanks to our veterans in our communities. 

Angela Golden (branch manager and loan officer at Dermott) – Veterans Day is most important to me because it allows us to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We should all be very thankful to the men and women who protect our country every day, not just on Veterans Day. 

Roberta Switzer (branch manager and loan officer at Flippin) – I think Veterans Day is an important day to let all veterans know how grateful we are for their sacrifices. They sacrifice not only their lives but also their time with their family for our freedom.

April Collins (branch manager/loan officer at Clinton) – Veterans Day is important to me because it recognizes all veterans, current and past, and reminds us that freedom isn’t free. 

Denise Moore (branch manager at Little Rock) – To celebrate a veteran is to honor the heroes that walk amongst us. We must never forget what these brave men and women do to ensure our freedom.

Michelle Guenther (assistant branch manager in Little Rock) – Two quotes sum up my feelings about Veterans Day. “There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism,” said Alexander Hamilton. “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right,” said Peter Marshall. 

First Service Bank, with its headquarters in Faulkner County, has been in operation for more than 60 years and has locations in Clinton, Conway, Dermott, Flippin, Greenbrier, Little Rock, Mountain View, Shirley and Yellville. For more information, visit firstservicebank.com.