Awakenings: Armistice - Why We Celebrate Veterans Day

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Armistice - Why We Celebrate Veterans Day

Photo Credit: John Sealander

This Day in History: November 11, 1918

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the signing of the armistice went into effect, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany.

A step back in time...Embrace the Past

On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. It was not until 1938 that November 11 was declared a national holiday whereby veterans are thanked for their services to the United States.

The original intention proclaimed November 11 a day of honor for veterans who fought in World War I. Unbeknownst at that time, a second world war lurked in the shadows to be ignited only a few years ahead. World War II evolved into the largest mobilization of service men in the history of the United States to be followed by another possible threat of world war when American forces fought in the Korean War.

President Eisenhower signing HR7786,
changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day

In 1954, the word "Armistice" changed to "Veterans" after being approved by Congress on June 1 of that same year. Thus, November 11 became a day to honor ALL American veterans, wherever and whenever they had served and remains to this day known as Veterans Day.

Time for celebration...Empower the Present

Today is officially Veterans Day! This day of honor brings with it displays of the flag of the United States, observances of the day in schools and churches, parades, picnics, and times that gather families and friends together in appropriate ceremonies of honor for those who have served their country.

For me, today carries with it a double celebration. November 12, 1916 is my daddy's birthday. If he were alive today, he would be 98 years old. He was a veteran of WWII. Daddy served in the Navy and proudly fought for his country during the second world war. He never spoke of the war, too horrific was all you ever heard him say. He saw lives shattered and lost as he served his country during one of the bloodest battles of the war. He was on board ship the day the flag was raised on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima.

What are your plans? Celebrate Veterans Day with your family by reflecting on the service that veterans have contributed to America.

Think about questions, such as, "Where would America be without the help and sacrifices of our veterans? Do you know a veteran...possibly someone in your ancestral chain, a current family member, friend, friend of a friend? How has a veteran individually impacted your life?"

Tomorrow's tomorrows...Enrich the Future

While remembrances and celebrations are taking place for those who fought in wars past, let us not forget those that are still fighting or will fight in the future to maintain America's freedom won so long ago. They, too, will one day be the veterans and should always be honored for the service they provide in protecting and defending America.