Our nation is truly magnificent. Veterans Day is our chance to honor and thank those who dedicated their lives and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country.
On the eleventh hour of November 11, 1918, the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect, thereby ending World War I. Veterans Day began on November 11, 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson created “Armistice Day” in recognition of the tremendous sacrifice of our military in World War I.
President Wilson stated:
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 nation.
After World War II, President Dwight Eisenhower amended Armistice Day to Veterans day on June 1, 1954 in honor American veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
I am honored to be an American and to be a Navy wife. My family has many veterans, including my cherished father who was a Navy and Marine Corps veteran; my beloved brother-in-law who was a Navy veteran and died in the service of our country this year; my amazing grandfather-in-law who served on the front lines in Korea; my great uncle who died on the front lines in WWII; and many others. I am humbled by the service of my family’s veterans and all who have answered the call to serve the U.S.A.
This week is also National Veterans Awareness Week. Our country is still fighting TWO WARS, and 4,798 American men and women have given their lives in service to our country. More than 45,000 have been identified as wounded, but that number does not necessarily include all those suffering from mental issues, such as PTSD. Please remember our troops who are risking their lives every minute of every day right now in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Estimates of our U.S. homeless population include a startling statistic. Nearly 25% of our homeless are veterans, including 7,000 to 8,000 female veterans.
The politics of war is a subject of much heated and sensitive debate. Barack Obama, our President Elect and future Commander in Chief set aside politics to honor our veterans’ service, saying:
No U.S. soldier ever dies in vain because they’re carrying out the missions of their Commander in Chief. And we honor all the service that they’ve provided.
We have a sacred trust with our troops and veterans, regardless of politics.
On November 11, 2008, join me in honoring our veterans. Please remember to thank them for their service.
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