Thoughts For The Day For Veterans Day Observed

“All of us who served in one war or another know very well  that all wars are the glory and the agony of the young.”

     - President Gerald R. Ford

History of Veterans Day

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to remind Americans of the tragedies of war. The fighting in World War I had ended a year earlier, at 11 A.M., November 11, 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month).

Two years later on Armistice Day, an unknown American World War I soldier was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., in the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Thousands of people came to watch the elaborate ceremonies that took place. Similar ceremonies had taken place the previous year in England and France: an unknown English soldier was buried in Westminster Abbey in London, and an unknown French soldier was buried at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

In 1926, Congress passed a resolution calling for the observance of Armistice Day in schools, churches, and other suitable places. Twelve years later the day was designated as a national holiday. In 1939, a year after Armistice Day became a national holiday, World War II broke out in Europe. The start of this war ended the idealistic hopes that World War I was “the war to end all wars.” Over four hundred thousand American troops died in World War II.

After the Korean War (1950–1953), during which over 36,000 Americans died, Congress considered making Armistice Day a day to commemorate veterans of all wars, not only those who served in World War I. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming the holiday a remembrance of all wars and changing its name to Veterans Day.

A law passed in 1968 moved the Veterans Day celebration to the fourth Monday in October.

However, the original date, November 11, was historically significant to many Americans, and ten years later the observation of Veterans Day returned to its original date.

In 1958, two more unidentified American soldiers were laid to rest next to the unknown soldier of World War I. One of the soldiers was killed in World War II, and the other in the Korean War. In 1984, a fourth unknown serviceman was added to the tomb. He had died in the Vietnam War.

However, in 1998, the identity of the Vietnam War soldier was discovered through DNA testing, and his remains were returned to his family. The crypt reserved for the unknown soldier from the Vietnam War is now empty.  Veterans Day celebrations include parades and speeches held in towns and cities throughout the United States. The focal point for national ceremonies, however, continues to be the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery and the amphitheater surrounding it.

Every year, special services begin at 11 A.M. with two minutes of silence. After the playing of “Taps,” the president places a wreath at the tomb. A color guard procession and several speeches, one of them usually by the president, follow it. Approximately 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Today marks the anniversary  of the armistice that ended World War I, a day now  known in the U.S, as  Veterans' Day. I never served in the military, for which I am sure they are  thankful. Like many others, I certainly have not approved of all the military adventures in  which our nation has participated, but I honor those who have served. On this day I say, "Thank you!" 

“However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind.”   …General Douglas MacArthur, 1880 - 1964 

 

Veteran’s Day Recipe:  Navy Bean Soup 16 ounce package dried navy beans water 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes 1 onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 pound chopped ham 1 cube chicken bouillon 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley salt & pepper to taste 1 bay leaf Soak beans overnight in enough water to cover the beans but an inch or so. Drain. Combine beans, vegetables, ham, seasonings and enough water to cover in a stock pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for two hours.  Add more water 2-3 cups or as much as needed. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for another 2 hours. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Please add our troops and their families to your Christmas and Thanksgiving prayers!  Remember, whether you support the present war or not… We are at war and we have troops giving their lives almost daily~

 

Also… yesterday, November 10, 2008 was the 233rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps. 

Marine Corps Tribute

 God Bless Our Troops Everywhere!!