By Beth Barhydt
Each year, as Veterans Day approaches, a special tradition unfolds across the country in the form of the Veterans Day commemorative poster. Chosen from a nationwide competition, the winning artwork embodies the service, sacrifice, and spirit of America’s veterans, capturing the theme chosen by the Veterans Day National Committee. The poster is displayed in VA facilities, military installations, schools, and public spaces across the country, acting as a visual tribute that invites Americans to reflect on the legacy of those who have served.
This year’s winning design, created by Myisha Godette, a retired, disabled Army veteran from Queens, New York, captures the theme “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service.” Godette’s poster is more than an art piece; it is a statement of unity and resilience among America’s service members. Featuring iconic symbols of service like the American flag and military dog tags, the poster resonates with a timeless message. “As a Veteran, I’ve sometimes felt underrepresented,” Godette said of her inspiration. “I wanted to create something that brings together the shared experience of service members—past, present, and future.”
The Veterans Day poster competition has become a unique forum for artists across the country to pay homage to the nation’s veterans. Guidelines for submissions are straightforward yet meaningful. Each entry must include the words “Veterans Day,” “November 11, 2024,” and “Honoring All Who Served,” ensuring that the final design connects clearly to the holiday’s purpose. Artists are encouraged to represent the diversity within the veteran community, allowing for various expressions through symbols, scenery, or even abstract interpretations that highlight service and sacrifice. According to the competition guidelines, designs should be simple, impactful, and adaptable for different formats, including use on lapel pins and as digital posters.
Once selected, the winning poster takes on a highly visible role. It serves as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day commemoration held at Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most solemn observances. The artwork is also shared widely online through the Veterans Day Poster Gallery, where previous years’ designs can be viewed. This collection acts as an archive, preserving each year’s unique expression of the country’s appreciation for its veterans and providing a visual history of evolving themes that reflect the priorities and sentiments of the times.
The competition encourages artists to keep the design simple and the messaging clear. Veterans Day posters are often marked by minimal imagery to allow a focal point on a powerful symbol—whether it’s a rendering of a service member’s silhouette, a folded American flag, or a wreath-laden cemetery. These symbols evoke deep respect and are carefully chosen to remind viewers of the significance of Veterans Day. Additionally, the poster competition encourages the depiction of a broad and inclusive veteran community. Although service members may be the primary visual, some designs incorporate American icons, such as monuments, landmarks, and landscapes, to highlight the ties between veterans and the country they have served.
Each year’s theme plays a significant role in guiding the artistic process. This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” emphasizes the lasting impact veterans have on their country, their families, and their communities. This theme connects not only to past generations but also to those currently serving and those who will serve in the future, inviting Americans to see Veterans Day as both a remembrance and a promise. Godette’s design, with its blend of military and national symbols, captures this inclusive vision, presenting veterans as pillars of strength across generations.
The Veterans Day commemorative poster competition is more than a call for artwork; it is an invitation to Americans to participate in the national narrative of honor and gratitude for veterans. By translating the values of Veterans Day into visual form, the posters become annual symbols that unite Americans in a collective act of remembrance and respect. The annual selection brings to life the spirit of Veterans Day and affirms that the legacy of those who have served will not be forgotten.
