What is Veterans Day? The Meaning Behind the Day of Honor

Did you know that the call to serve doesn’t end when the uniform comes off? For many veterans, the hardest battles are the ones fought in silence, long after the war has ended. In this special Veterans Day episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, host Kelly Renee opens her heart about the pride, pain, and purpose that come with wearing the title of “veteran.” Kelly takes listeners through the history of Veterans Day, from its beginnings as Armistice Day in 1918 to its expansion honoring all who served, and offers a powerful reminder that freedom isn’t free. Drawing from her eight years in the military, she reflects on the camaraderie, structure, and sense of purpose that define service and the often-overlooked struggles veterans face when returning to civilian life. With honesty and warmth, Kelly shares how the government shutdown has disrupted veteran support programs and calls for compassion, patience, and action. From shopping veteran-owned businesses to simply listening to a veteran’s story, she reminds us that gratitude means more when it’s lived, not just spoken. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those who serve. Key Takeaways Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. Female veterans are the fastest-growing group, projected to reach 20% by 2040. Supporting veterans means more than saying “thank you”; it means action. Transitioning to civilian life can be harder than active service. Freedom is earned daily by real people, not inherited from the past. Every veteran’s story matters, and listening is one of the greatest forms of respect. In This Episode [00:01] Introduction: Why Veterans Day matters [00:40] The origins of Armistice Day [01:13] From Armistice to Veterans Day [02:28] The growing number of women veterans [03:39] Life after service: the hardest transition [04:44] A look at Boots on Netflix: military life revealed [06:05] Invisible scars and mental health in veterans [07:15] How the government shutdown impacts veterans [08:25] Why patience and grace matter [09:38] The true difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day [10:53] Everyday ways to support veterans [11:53] Closing reflections and a fierce call to action Notable Quotes [03:23] "Veterans are leaders, problem solvers, team players. So if you own a business and you're looking to hire, hire a veteran." [03:415] "I think that transitioning back to civilian life might be harder than serving." [06:29] "Some scars are visual, some are fought in your head quietly, and both deserve respect." [09:10] "Freedom isn't free. It's earned daily by real people, people who sacrifice everything to go fight for everybody." Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website