On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, a temporary cessation of hostilities, an armistice, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany. Celebrating Armistice Day began the next year. Since that time, November 11th became a federal holiday in 1938. After the World Wars and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veteran’s Day to honor veterans of all wars, when President Eisenhower signed legislation on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday.
Whether active military deployed overseas, or serving our country during Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and let’s not forget the Vietnam War or seeing combat during multiple battles, November 11th is a day designated to pay tribute to those men and women in uniform whose strides are with discipline and their actions, with honor.
One of the best ways to extend your gratitude for the veteran’s and their families and loved ones is to thank them for their service. Acknowledge and respect all they’ve had to give up and everything they had to endure, try to imagine what our nation would have to undergo if these service members didn’t sacrifice for our freedom, how they said good bye, some temporarily, and others for the last time, so we could continue on with our daily lives in peace; without body armor, without weapon, without continuously being in harm’s way. Stand proud. Extend your hand and say thank you, hug the family members’ whose loved ones did not return home and remember that although the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down, the wars inside the hearts and minds of many veterans lingers on. Recognize and honor their service and sacrifice.
One of many poems written is included below, (www.firstgradenest.com) a very fitting poem to pay tribute to our veterans:
VETERANS DAY
By Cheryl Dyson
On Veterans Day we honor all
Who answered to a service call
Soldiers young, and soldiers old
Fought for our freedom,
brave and bold.
Some have lived while others died
And all of them deserve our pride.
We’re proud of all our soldier’s who
Kept thinking of red,
white and blue.
They fought for us and all
of our rights,
They fought through many
days and nights.
And though we may not
know each name,
We thank ALL veterans just the same.
A Notable Mention: On Veterans Day, VFW Post 420 will again host a “Gallery of Valor” picture display to recognize all veterans who has served during a period of conflict. Beginning at 11 am, there will be a public ceremony at the VFW Post located at 190 Excelsior Avenue. More information can be obtained by contacting Jim Hartman at (518) 587-6944 and Gene Ratigliano, (518) 885-9666.
As always, thank you to all the veterans and their families and loved ones for all that you do.
