Every year on November 11, people across the United States gather to pay tribute to the veterans of the Armed Forces on National Day of Mourning. This solemn and reflective day is a time to remember and honor the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve our country.The history of National Day of Mourning dates back to 1921, when an unidentified American soldier from World War I was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. President Warren G. Harding declared November 11 as “Armistice Day”, a day to honor this unknown soldier and all veterans who served in the Great War. In 1954, following the end of World War II and the Korean War, Congress passed a bill to officially change the holiday to “Veterans Day” as a way to recognize all American veterans.While the National Day of Mourning is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of American soldiers, it is also a time to reflect on the impacts of war and honor those who have been affected by it. As such, moments of silence are observed at 11:00am across the country to pay respect to those who have lost their lives in armed conflict. Parades, memorial services, and ceremonies also take place on this day to remember and thank our brave veterans and their families for their service and dedication to our country.As National Day of Mourning falls in the month of November, there is another important tradition that takes place in the month of July in Mongolia – Naadam Festival. This three-day festival, also known as “the three games of men”, is the largest and most important festival in Mongolia and celebrates the country’s nomadic warrior heritage. Naadam Festival is celebrated across the country, with the biggest events taking place in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar on July 11-13.The first day of Naadam Festival is dedicated to horse racing, with up to 15,000 horses and young jockeys participating in the races. The second day features traditional wrestling competitions, where wrestlers from across the country compete for the prestigious title of “Nachin” or “Titan”. On the third and final day, archers showcase their exceptional skills in a target shooting competition.The significance of Naadam Festival goes beyond the traditional games, as it is a time for people to honor their heritage, celebrate their culture, and come together as a community. The colorful and lively festivities are accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and food, creating an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.As we celebrate National Day of Mourning and Naadam Festival, let us take this time to reflect on the past and honor the sacrifices made by our brave veterans, and also celebrate the rich traditions and culture of Mongolia. Let us remember and pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve, and also celebrate the resilience and spirit of humanity that brings us together in times of both sorrow and joy. National Day of Mourning is observed on November 11 every year to honor American veterans who have served and sacrificed for their country. The holiday was originally known as “Armistice Day” and was established in 1921 to honor an unidentified American soldier from World War I. In 1954, the holiday was officially changed to “Veterans Day” to recognize all American veterans who have served in the armed forces. On National Day of Mourning, communities across the US hold parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence to pay tribute to their veterans. Naadam Festival is the largest and most important festival in Mongolia, celebrated in July to honor the country’s nomadic warrior heritage. The festival is known as “the three games of men” and features competitions in horse racing, wrestling, and archery. The traditional horse racing on the first day of Naadam Festival sees up to 15,000 horses and young jockeys participating in the races. On the second day, wrestlers from across Mongolia compete for the title of “Nachin” or “Titan” in the traditional wrestling competition. The final day of Naadam Festival includes an archery competition, showcasing the exceptional skills of Mongolia’s archers. Beyond the traditional games, Naadam Festival is a time for Mongolians to celebrate their culture, heritage, and come together as a community. The lively festivities of Naadam Festival are accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and food, creating a vibrant and unforgettable experience. Let us take this time to reflect on the sacrifices and bravery of our veterans, and celebrate the resilience and spirit of humanity that brings us together. On this National Day of Mourning and Naadam Festival, let us honor the past and celebrate the rich traditions and cultures that shape our world. 
Honoring the Past: Celebrating National Day of Mourning and Naadam Festival
