Veterans Day - A History Lesson & Celebration
Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, came about because...(source: US Department of Veterans Affairs)
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans."
Today we continue to celebrate Veterans Day in the US on 11 NOV, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. Yes there are parades, some media coverage, and most all federal offices are closed. Some restaurants even give out free meals to active, reserve, and retired military personnel. But seriously, one day? I guess it's better than nothing, but how about we give our military raises or better retirement options? That would be a cause for celebration!
Me? No, I never served, but I have family and friends that did and still do. And I never miss a chance to thank a solider when I see them in uniform, regardless of what day of the year it happens to be.
Take some time and thank a veteran or active duty soldier on this Veterans Day. Try it the rest of the year too...
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans."
Today we continue to celebrate Veterans Day in the US on 11 NOV, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. Yes there are parades, some media coverage, and most all federal offices are closed. Some restaurants even give out free meals to active, reserve, and retired military personnel. But seriously, one day? I guess it's better than nothing, but how about we give our military raises or better retirement options? That would be a cause for celebration!
Me? No, I never served, but I have family and friends that did and still do. And I never miss a chance to thank a solider when I see them in uniform, regardless of what day of the year it happens to be.
Take some time and thank a veteran or active duty soldier on this Veterans Day. Try it the rest of the year too...
A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country,
and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
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