Today is the day of remembrance for those who have fought in wars past and to acknowledge those who are still fighting today. I wonder how many of us know the history of Veterans Day, and how it came to be. I would like to share with you some of the research I have gathered on the event.
According to www.va.gov, World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased months earlier between Germany and the Allied Nations on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the eleventh hour of 1918. This was called an armistice. In November of 1919 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov.
11 as Armistice Day. It was to be a day set aside to reflect on the heroism of those who died while serving in our military during WWI, the war that did not end all wars.
It was a time of national pride. It became apparent after WWII and the Korean War that Armistice Day did not acknowledge veterans of other wars, so the word “Armistice” was replaced with the word “Veterans” at the urging of veterans’ service organizations.
In October of 1954, President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day proclamation, stating, “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”
Today is the day that we set aside our differences. We give up our difference on interrogation practices, whether gays should be allowed to serve openly in the military or if the government should cut or expand the military budget.
Today we collectively honor our brave heroes, the fallen members of our armed forces. And while we are acknowledging the sacrifices of these wonderful men and women, let’s also recognize the sacrifices of men and women who have given parts of their lives.
Those who were on tours of duty while their kids were growing up.
Those who have come home from battle with fewer limbs than they went in with. Those who struggle every day with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because they watched their buddies get blown up by enemy fire. And those we’ve lost stateside because of a training mission that has gone awry.
As for me, if you are a veteran of any war, I thank you. Not only today, but every day, for the ability to raise my family in peace.
During a recent trip to Branson, Missouri, every show that we went to songs were sang and applause was given to all retired and current military personnel in the audience. We are a grateful nation. We may not always show it collectively, but we do honor and appreciate you.
Rhonda Tommer is a resident of Santa Clara and a member of the Spectrum and Daily News writers group. She can be reached at r.tommer.writersgroup@gmail.com.
