Happy Veterans Day, friends!
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally established as a U.S. legal holiday in 1938 to mark the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. According to the website Military.com, the 83rd U.S. Congress in 1954 — at the urging of veterans service organizations following World War II and the Korean War — amended the Act of 1938 to strike out the word "Armistice" and insert the word "Veterans."
Thus, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Later, on Aug. 4, 2001, Congress designated the week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 17, 2001, as "National Veterans Awareness Week," and called for elementary and secondary school students to be educated regarding the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
Today, Americans observe Veterans Day not only to preserve the historical significance of the date, but to celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
One sacrifice that military personnel make is embracing a lifestyle that means often uprooting family life and moving. That can be required, as one Nevada family recently testified, as frequently as 10 times in 14 years.
Nevada Treasurer Dan Schwartz — recognizing this unique barrier that active-duty families face to meet the 100-days-of-public-school requirement for Nevada's Education Savings Account program — recently announced his intent to establish a military exemption to the 100-day rule. This exemption, along with a Kindergartener (under age 7) exemption to the 100-day rule, must now make their way through the regulatory process.
Schwartz is expected to adopt these two exemptions at a November 23 hearing, after which the regulations are to go to the Legislative Commission for its approval, presumably in December. However, it’s important that parents understand these exemptions are not yet in effect, nor are they shoo-ins. The Legislative Commission is free reject the regulations.
NPRI has been contacted by several military and kindergarten families with questions about the regulatory process. Committed to public participation in the government process, we are happy to walk families through the process. If you are a military or kindergarten family, please let me know. Email me at kg@npri.org or call the office at 702-222-0642. I will walk you through the regulatory process as it advances, and, if you choose, put you in contact with others for support. It is imperative to have your voice heard, whether in person, through written submissions or phone calls.
And, as you are out and about today, be sure to show your appreciation to those who have and who currently sacrifice for our freedom!
With much appreciation and thanks to all veterans, their families and loved ones.
Karen
