Thank you Veterans 11/11

[Ron G.]

And a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the U.S.M.C. which celebrates its 230th birthday today.

[krys]

Yes! What Ron said. In my view, most folks don't give this day the significance it deserves.

[dmiller]

Veterans' Day (formerly Armistice Day)

November 11, is the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict. 

At 5 A.M. on Monday, November 11, 1918 the Germans signed the Armistice, an order was issued for all firing to cease; so the hostilities of the First World War ended.  This day began with the laying down of arms, blowing of whistles, impromptu parades, closing of places of business.  All over the globe there were many demonstrations; no doubt the world has never before witnessed such rejoicing.

In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation.  The last paragraph set the tone for future observances:

To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn 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 sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation.

In 1927 Congress issued a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the Flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11, and inviting the people to observe the day in schools and churches...But it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill that each November 11 "shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and ...hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day." 

That same year President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For sixteen years the United States formally observed Armistice Day, with impressive ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Chief Executive or his representative placed a wreath.  In many other communities, the American Legion was in charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services.  At 11 A.M. all traffic stopped, in tribute to the dead, then volleys were fired and taps sounded.

After World War II, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with World War I.  The word, "armistice," means simply a truce; therefore as years passed, the significance of the name of this holiday changed.  Leaders of Veterans' groups decided to try to correct this and make November 11 the time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I.

In Emporia, Kansas, on November 11, 1953, instead of an Armistice Day program, there was a Veterans' Day observance.  Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so impressed that he introduced a bill into the House to change the name to Veterans' Day.

After this passed, Mr. Rees wrote to all state governors and asked for their approval and cooperation in observing the changed holiday.  The name was changed to Veterans' Day by Act of Congress on May 24, 1954. 

In October of that year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought so gallantly, and through rededication to the task of promoting an enduring peace.  The President referred to the change of name to Veterans' Day in honor of the servicemen of all America's wars. 

[Digitalis]

Thanks Ron,

This means alot to me. My husband is a war vet, my dad, my uncles and grand uncles and my grandfather. Not to mention my cousin Anne our first female in the military and my stepdaughter who is the second and is in Germany presently. My son is in basic at Ft. Benning and has an airborne contract to train on Sand Hill when basic is finished. He should be coming home for Christmas Exodus at Ft. Benning.

I think about our veterans everyday ......... I still have an uncle who is a disabled war vet from WWII who is barely hanging on to life as we speak. He has stopped all his meds even his nitro patch. God bless is heart.

Thank you Thank you Thank you Ron

Digi

[Kit Sober]

Many thanks to all you veterans, not only of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, but also many thanks to you veterans of the spiritual army who fight and continue to fight for His name.

I salute you all.

[act2]

Happy Veterans Day, to all Veterans, including my husband, dad, and other family members.

Thank you for helping to keep our great nation FREE!!!!!!!!!!

[Belle]

I, too, am so thankful, grateful and awed at the strength, resolve and selfless service of our veterans.

My grandfather was one of seven brothers who fought in WWII. Most of them were in some pretty awful battles and two were killed. One of my great uncles refused to talk about his service and experiences until just a few years ago. I hang onto every word he says because those are things I want to remember and to be able to share with my children.

My favorite neighbor served in the Korean War and he, too, shares some incredible stories.

I could go on and on about veterans I know and highly respect. Incredibly strong men and women.....

Thanks, Ron!

[Belle]

Beautiful sentiments, Kit! You always have the right words to say. :wub:

A hearty "Thank You!" to our veterans!

[coolchef1248 @adelphia.net]

when you put your flag out thank a vet!!!