As Veterans Day approaches each November, we at PRRS are reminded that behind every free moment we enjoy—every family dinner, every walk in the park, every peaceful commute—is a sacrifice someone made on our behalf.
Veterans Day isn’t just a holiday. It’s a national pause, a chance to look beyond ourselves and honor the men and women who served our country in times of conflict and peace. These are the people who risked their lives—many paying the ultimate price—so we can live safely, speak freely, and move about our world with security.
Every generation in the past century has experienced war in one form or another. Whether a grandparent who served in World War II, a parent in Vietnam, or a friend who served in Iraq or Afghanistan—no generation has been untouched. It’s important that we don’t let the moment to acknowledge their sacrifice quietly pass us by.
For us, Veterans Day is a subject close to our hearts, partly because our own Todd Tucker and John Conway served in the US Marines and US Coastguards respectively. There’s also the fact that many veterans choose to work in the parking industry after they have served their country, and we are pleased to say that many of them choose to bring their skills and dedication to our company.
A History Written in Sacrifice
Veterans Day has its roots in the final hours of World War I. On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was declared between the Allied Nations and Germany. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day—a tribute to the end of “the war to end all wars.”
The men and women who came of age during World War I were later referred to as the Lost Generation, a term that spoke to the widespread grief, trauma, and disillusionment that followed. While there are no surviving veterans from this war today, their sacrifices set the foundation for the day we now recognize.
But history didn’t stop there.
In 1954, after both World War II and the Korean War had ravaged yet another generation, Armistice Day was officially renamed Veterans Day—to honor all U.S. veterans, not just those from World War I.
Since then, each generation has taken its turn on the battlefield, forever marked by conflict:
- The Greatest Generation (born 1900–1927) stood up against tyranny in World War II and 45,000 of these heroes are still alive today. Most are now in their late 90s or older, and their stories are slowly fading from living memory.
- The Silent Generation (born 1928–1945), though smaller in number due to the Depression and wartime birth declines, provided a strong contingent of Korean War veterans. Most are now in their 80s and 90s, many still living with memories of battles often referred to as “The Forgotten War.”
- Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) were profoundly impacted by the Vietnam War. Unlike their predecessors, they often returned home not to parades but to protests. Today, around 430,000 Vietnam veterans remain—many still quietly carrying the emotional weight of their service.
- Generation X (born 1965–1980) came of age during the Persian Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. These veterans, now in their middle age, served in a highly complex geopolitical era that marked the beginning of modern warfare.
- Millennials (born 1981–1996) stepped up following the September 11 attacks, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s estimated that between 1.9 and 3 million U.S. service members were deployed to these regions—often multiple times.
And the service doesn’t stop there. Generation Z is already raising its hand to serve, defending our country both at home and abroad in a complex global landscape.
A Small Gesture with Great Meaning
At PRRS, we believe in recognizing service in meaningful ways—not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. As a company rooted in the everyday movement of people, we understand how vital safety, structure, and order are. Veterans protected those values with their lives.
The people we serve every day include veterans from all walks of life. From our employees to our clients to the communities we operate in, veterans are among us. Sometimes in uniform. Often not. But always deserving of our respect. So, how can we show appreciation?
- Attend a local ceremony or parade on November 11. Many communities still observe the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” with a moment of silence.
- Say thank you. It may sound small, but for many veterans, hearing those words means everything. You don’t need the perfect speech—just sincere gratitude.
- Support veteran-owned businesses or donate to organizations providing healthcare, job placement, or housing assistance to veterans in need.
- Offer a moment of acknowledgment at work. Encourage your teams to recognize veteran colleagues or take a brief pause in meetings to honor their service.
Why a Simple Thank You Matters
You might think: “What good is a thank you when someone has seen war?”
The truth is, it’s not about fixing something or making it right. It’s about recognition. Veterans don’t ask for fanfare. But acknowledgment—being seen, remembered, and valued—matters.
A simple “thank you” affirms that their time away from family, their years of service, and their personal sacrifices were not in vain. It bridges the gap between military and civilian life, showing that as a society, we see them. And we care.
Honor Them Today
As of this year, 16.4 million U.S. veterans are living among us. That’s 16.4 million reasons to pause, reflect, and say two powerful words: thank you.
As we go about our daily lives—walking city streets, parking in busy lots, or traveling to work—let’s not take for granted the safety and freedom we’ve inherited.
To all veterans—past, present, and future—we thank you. We honor your courage, your strength, and your service.
