On this day, our nation draws attention to the veterans of our Armed Forces, young and old. Some of us don’t need a special day, to give thanks for all that they have done for our great nation, while others do.
Most people don’t know the history of Veterans Day, it’s origins and it’s meaning, so I thought I would, for any that don’t know or are interested, highlight the significance of this day of remembrance.
“A Soldier Known But to God”
In 1921, an American Soldier-his name “known but to God” was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington. The Arlington National Cemetery burial site of this unknown Wold War I soldier became the personification of dignity and reverence for America’s veterans.
Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France where an “unknown soldier” was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe).
These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”
Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action.
If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “The War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But shortly after the holiday was proclaimed, World War II broke out in Europe and shattered the dream. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred and six thousand died. The families and friends of these dead longed for a way to honor their memory.
“To Honor veterans of All Wars”
An answer to the dilemma of how to pay tribute to those who had served in limits latest great war came in a proposal made by Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas: Change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and make this an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars.
President Eisenhower, in 1954, signed the bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and he called for Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.
On May 30, 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought to Arlington Cemetery from overseas and interred in the plaza beside their Comrade of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in Korea. A law passed in 1973 provided for the interment of an unknown American who lost his life in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. For several years no qualifying remains were discovered so a memorial plaque was placed in the Amphitheater’s Memorial Display Room. On Memorial Day 1984, however, the Unknown Serviceman from that conflict was placed “In Honored Glory” Alongside his fellow countrymen.
To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, The 3d United States Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
There you have the history and significance of our nations Veterans Day. For those of us who have served, and for those who have had family or friends serve, this day may have greater, and more personal, significance for you. I know it does for me.
As a young man, I saw and experienced things, that I would otherwise not have been exposed to, and I doubt I would be as appreciative of our veterans today, had I not, eventhough many of the things I saw and experienced were things I wish I hadn’t. It’s because I can never fully explain my experiences and feelings to others, is why vets have a gentle and quiet understanding of each other. While our experiences may not have been shared, the loss of innocence, and in some cases, the loss of our buds, have impacted our lives in a way that no other endeavor could.
I am reminded of the story of my friends Uncle Ricardo by War Chick, and a passage from her story:
This is a most glorious testament to manhood and the warrior spirit… that they bear this arduous burden with quiet dignity so those they love won’t have to. The beauty of this selfless act leaves me in awe. I have long understood the willingness to die for a friend… after all, that is the epitome of what Christ did, and for which we mortals strive. He died that we might live. But those who must live with the memories not only of dead friends but butchered enemies are the closest we, as weak, wretched beings born into this veil of tears, can ever come to knowing what Christ bore. The memories of war are the price that the good man pays; it is out of his deep love for others that he spares them this particular agony. It is perhaps summed up best this way: Upon these two laws doth every commandment hinge-that we love God, and that we love each other. There is no better example on earth of this unconditional love than the American soldier. They would die for their friends, true, but even more heart-breaking and remarkable about such men is that they also live with what they’ve had to do.
I, and the many veterans I know, are all proud to have served this great nation and it’s people. This is the one day we, as a nation, take the opportunity to recognize their sacrifices and service. However you chose to do so, by attending a local National Cemetery service, lighting a candle for them at church, or calling up a vet you know, just to let them know you are thinking of them, and their invaluable service for this nation’s freedoms and liberty, your effort will be no small thing.
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