Thursday, November 10, 2011

A Salute to all Veterans

Veterans Day is a national, federal holiday in the United States of America.  It was originally observed as "Armistice Day", named after the signing of the Armistice which ended World War One.  That signing took place on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

President Wilson proclaimed the day, in 1919, saying, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solumn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her symapathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

WWI was, at the time, not called by that name - not realizing that the world would ever allow another conflict so terrible, it was called, "The War To End All Wars".  Too bad that title didn't prove true!
In 1954 Armistice Day was replaced by "Veterans Day" to honor all veterans, not just those of WWI.

In this family photo is one of my family members who was a soldier in WWI.  Others in my family served in other wars as well.  I hope you'll join me in honoring all the men and women who have served their country in service during any and all wars.  We salute you, who were faithful and courageous!  We shall never forget!
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

1 comment:

Val said...

Indeed! And what a great photo.