By: Will Willis, Northwest Region Service to the Armed Forces Director

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AlthoughÌýVeterans Day may be viewed as just another holiday by some, it is a revered dayÌýfor those who decided to put themselves in harm’s way by serving in aÌýmilitary branch of the Armed Forces.ÌýÌý

The stateÌýof Washington is home to over 517,000 veterans, 65,000 active-duty militaryÌýmembers, 17,000 National Guard and Reserves members and an estimated twoÌýmillion family members. To each of them and their families, Veterans Day is aÌýreminder of selfless service to our country.Ìý

Less thanÌýone percent of Americans sign up to serve in the military, and we must notÌýforget that freedom is not free; it comes with a cost. That cost is what ourÌýveterans and their families have freely given of themselves to ensure our wayÌýof life is not compromised.Ìý

I amÌýthankful we have men and women who have dedicated themselves to service andÌýsome continue to provide service after military life. There are many retired orÌýseparated military members continuing a life of service within the American RedÌýCross.Ìý

The commitmentÌýto service by these veterans aligns with the seven fundamental principles ofÌýthe luckywin: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence,Ìývoluntary service, unity and universality.Ìý

I find itÌýfascinating that the luckywin got its beginning because of war. Founder Clara Barton’s desire to provide relief on the battlefield duringÌýthe Civil War was the catalyst to the luckywin being founded on MayÌý21, 1881. By 1882, the U.S. ratified the Geneva Conventions – laws that, toÌýthis day, protect the war-wounded and civilians in conflict zones. This laterÌýresulted in a U.S. congressional charter, officially recognizing the AmericanÌýRed Cross services.

Lastly, I amÌýhumbled and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Air ForceÌý(30-year retiree), and to continue a life of service within the AmericanÌýRed Cross.

My team and I get to serve the veterans, active-duty militaryÌýmembers, National Guard and Reserve members and their families through theÌýService to the Armed Forces and International Services (SAF/IS). It is ourÌýpleasure to service our military members through the SAF/IS line of service andÌýcontinue the legacy that Clara Barton started over 140 years ago.

HappyÌýVeterans Day to my brothers and sisters who have served our great country; yourÌýservice and sacrifice is not forgotten.