Veteran’s Day is a day to honor memories of those whose patriotism, their love of our nation, their choice to defend this nation, and for some a sacrifice so huge most cannot fathom it, all for the common good.
Our Veterans were the ones who made a wall between our enemies and our safety, determined to protect everyone by giving it everything.
The day itself, November 11, is a reminder of that day in 1918 in Europe at 11:00 a.m. when the armistice that ended the battling in World War I was signed.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed in November 1919 that, “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…”
After many wars, the name was changed to Veteran’s Day on June 1, 1954, to honor all veterans, not just World War I veterans.
Today, it is still celebrated on November 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on.
My father is a veteran, as is his father, and my lineage dating back to the Revolutionary War.
Growing up I was taught why United States Veterans deserve respect, and I was taught to be proud of what they fought for.
Not, “A girl worth fighting for,” as the Disney movie Mulan would have us believe, but something far bigger.
The heartbeat and soul of an entire nation, every war we fought in, regardless of opinion, was about American’s being American.
Proudly and loudly, as we American’s tend to do.
So today, on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, thank a Veteran for everything they gave, and when they have a story to tell, listen proudly.
And, take a moment of silence to remember all the Veteran’s that are no longer with us.
