Veterans Day 2007
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of 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 fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). 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 only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.
Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans
The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans Day," which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide. -source VA
Present day 2007, our military are engaged in an unprecedented military action across the globe in a war against terror. As in most conflicts past or present, Americans express their views pro or con in a variety of ways. You may do so in a boisterous, mild, or indifferent manner, just remember it is our veterans that are valiantly protecting your right to do just that.
Perhaps on Veterans Day, we can cease the rhetoric long enough to take pause and honor the men and women in uniform that are serving and have served, not only those that died- but the living soldiers as well. That's what Veterans Day is about, to thank our veterans, to show our gratitude without prejudice for their honorable service in keeping America free.
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If you're reading this thank a teacher, if you're reading this in English thank a soldier.
Published by Tony Jingo
An American Patriot with an independent view on today's topics. Jingo (noun) One who vociferously supports one's country View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentThe United States has a RIGHT to protect its national interests, including access to oil. We will ALWAYS protect that access, and we always have, for not to would be untenable and irresponsible and cause a GLOBAL economic meltdown. Ron Paul is an dirresponsible ideologue, and a racist among other things, and his supporters are NOT conservative Republicans. This was was NOT a pre-emptive war, but a preventive war. The Pentagon had four invasion plans years before Bush became president to prevent just such a blockade of free access; and Clinton, along with Tony Blair, attacked Iraq here -- just for the pre-invasion warm up:
http://www.cnn.com/US/9812/16/clinton.iraq.speech/
Andrew, Fantastic contribution! Thank you for a succinct factual description of how it is, brother! I noticed you mentioned that awesome piece of American history that escapes our school system, the history of fighting Islamofascists dating as far back as 1805...I know, I know it was Bush's fault ;-) I would like to direct the readers to the "Pirate Coast" a book by Richard Zacks. He provides a captivating view into the brave efforts of our military that helped shape this nation and enable us to be Free....so we can chat just like this. Check out my review on the Pirate Coast: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/449168/pirate_coast_book_review.html
Continuing: Moreover...Thomas Jefferson and James Madison invaded the Islamofascists around 1805 forcing Regime Change with 8 ships, 8 US Marines, and a few hundred Greek mercenaries. The Brits could not do likewise with a flotilla of 600 ships. That is why we are Americans. Thank a soldier. And while you're at it, thank him again! We've been fighting the Islamofascists for over 200 years. So what is so strange about John McCain telling the truth to the American people that we may be there for 100 more?
The reason Shamontiel (Post #1) the troops went overseas to Iraq is because by arm-twisting Republican congressmen, President Clinton was able to force passage of, and signed into law The Iraqi Liberation Act of 1998, passed by a bipartisan majority in the House and a UNANIMOUS vote in the Senate. Every Democrat senator voted for http://www.iraqwatch.org/government/US/Legislation/ILA.htm. The Act called for "Regime Change" and the imposition of an Iraqi government friendly to the United States and hostile to terrorism. Scroll down to SUMMARY.
In 1998, a reminder to the clueless, George Bush was the Governor of Texas. The removal of Saddam was American policy locked into law years before Bush stole the election that Gore tried to steal. Two more things. Bush got higher marks at Yale than John Kerry. Second, I challenge you to negate this: Conditions at Abu Ghraib prison improved markedly AFTER the invasion by US-led Coalition troops.
Moreover, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison a
Veteran's Day is my birthday, and that's the only thing I celebrate. I don't celebrate this stupid war on Gas from an idiotic president who is hiding behind invisible weapons of Mass Destruction that the US gave to them. Bush is taking on his father's conflict and doing a piss poor job of it. I'll support the troops although I don't understand why any of them went overseas during Bush's presidency.
Again, always appreciate your articles. A relative was shot down while flying a plane in WWII. He ended up carrying his copilot through a jungle while being shot at the whole time. He has the shrapnel to prove it. Sacrifices like that can't be forgotten. Ever!
I enjoyed reading your historical background on Veteran's Day. Great job!
God Bless our veterans!! Too often forgotten and not appreciated!!