The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month

Happy Veteran's Day!

Today is also known as Armistice Day. The day when "the war to end all wars" ended.

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"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 nations..." President Wilson, November 1919, proclaiming November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day

For years November 11 was celebrated as the end of World War I, known as "The Great War," and a celebrate of those who died for our country in that war. The day was celebrated with parades and other celebrations including stopped business at 11:00. It wasn't until May 13, 1938 that November 11 was made into a legal holiday each year. It was a day that was to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and celebrated as Armistice Day. Armistice Day was a day to honor veterans of The Great War.

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But in June 1, 1954, an act was approved to take out the word "Armistice" and insert "Veterans because of World War II (which required the greatest mobilization of the U.S. military in the Nation's history) and Korea. It was now became a day to honor all America veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day is a day to celebrate and "honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good." (Source)

Thank you to all the men and women out there who have served our country. Thank you to the families of those who have scarified so much for our freedom. Thank you.

Did you thank a veteran today?