BY JANET MILLER
Special to the Journal
“Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families” is the 2026 Veterans Day theme. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, along with the Veterans Day National Committee, announces a particular theme each year to be the focus for a Veterans Day poster.
This year’s poster ties into the 250-year celebration of our country. The poster displays a current flag along with an early historical flag. The visual connects those who served in our time and all who served throughout our history, beginning with the revolutionary heroes who fought to establish our freedoms.
Veterans Day honors all who served in the United States Armed Forces. Each member, upon enlistment, takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the U.S. against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This solemn oath never expires, so veterans are bound together for life in being faithful to the Constitution.
Coincidentally, I was just channel-surfing and came across a documentary showing Elvis Presley taking the Oath of Enlistment. The program included clips of Elvis refusing any special treatment.
When his company went on winter field maneuvers, the colonel wanted to give him a three-week trip to Miami, Paris and Rome. Elvis refused the trip, saying it would not be right while others in his troop were sleeping in the snow.
The documentary had video clips of friends Elvis made in the service and how the experience bound them together. Joe Esposito met Elvis in the military, and they became lifelong friends. Joe was his right-hand man and road manager.
Looking at Elvis as a veteran gives new insight. It is interesting to see how someone so famous bonded with his troop mates. Johnny Lang knew Elvis in the military and wrote an entertaining account of their friendship. Read it at veteransbreakfastclub.org/my-friend-elvis.
Military ties that bind continue and extend to families for many decades after military service ends. This year calls awareness to that ongoing bond and support that veterans provide one another.
The VA chose 48 regional sites throughout the country, four being in California, to be official partners for Veterans Day observances. We are fortunate to have Merced Field of Honor — as Merced, California, was chosen as an official site for observance.
For the 14th year, Merced Sunrise Rotary Club set up the Field of Honor at 3600 M Street, Merced. It began on Nov. 7, but will remain until Nov. 14, so everyone still has time to visit the display.
The impressive exhibition of hundreds of American flags honors veterans, first responders and hometown heroes. Special recognition is given this year to those who served during the time of the Vietnam conflict.
According to their website, the Field of Honor “offers a place to reflect on the generations who served, sacrificed and helped preserve the freedoms we share.” At the center of the field is displayed a digitally remastered 4x6-foot reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.
The display reminds us of the ideals that gave birth to our nation and the people who carried them forth. We are reminded that we can never take our freedoms for granted.
Each flag represents a person with a story. Stroll among the flags. Read and reflect on the stories. Share your experience with others. Encourage them to visit The Field of Honor, which is free. All are invited.
Veterans helping veterans has done wonders for homeless veterans. Military.com reports a recent survey that shows veteran homelessness is falling by 8.2 percent in 2026. This is the biggest drop in 10 years. CalVet reports that in 2012, it was estimated that one-fourth of U.S. veterans were located in California. Since then, the number has been reduced by 50 percent.
Trauma and brain injury make it difficult for many veterans to maintain employment. CalVet provides outreach and support for homeless veterans in California. They work with several government and private organizations to provide services throughout the state. If you know a veteran who needs housing assistance, the number to call in California is 800-952-5626.
For Veterans Day, visit a veteran, check out a website about veterans or experience the Field of Honor. Choose something significant to do to honor veterans.
Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible. Contact janetmillerdp@yahoo.com.
