What Does Veterans Day Mean to You?
Today is Veterans Day. November 11th, 2016.
I’m always amazed that many of my friends and colleagues, particularly those without some connection to a military acquaintance or family member, don’t truly understand what Veterans Day represents. Or more importantly, why we celebrate it.
For my family and me, it has double significance - in addition to being a national holiday, it’s also my bride’s birthday. Those who know me well are convinced that her birthday was a large part of her appeal, though I refuse to comment on that…I’ll simply leave it to you to draw your own conclusions.
Many fail to appreciate, for instance, that it’s not coincidental that the holiday is celebrated on November 11th (11/11) each year. Quick history lesson: near the end of World War I, billed as “The War to End All Wars,” the Allied nations and Germany agreed to a temporary cessation of hostilities that became effective on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Hence, 11/11 at 11:00am is the time we recognize each year.
More contextual history: In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “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 nations…”
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00am. Armistice Day, a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace, became a legal holiday in 1938. But at that point it was considered a day to honor veterans of WWI. In 1954, following WWII — the largest mobilization of soldiers, Sailors, Marines and airmen in US history — and the US involvement in Korea, Congress rightly amended the original act by changing the words “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day.” And thus Veterans Day became a day to honor American veterans of all services in all wars.
So on this Veterans Day, a day of memorial parades, dressing of cemeteries, church services, and individual moments of reverent silence and reflection, at 11:00am, I ask you to pause for a moment to thank and to remember the sacrifices made by your military colleagues and friends, as they patrol the world’s trouble spots on your behalf, far from home, wishing they were here to enjoy this recognition with their families in person. And offer your support to the families of those brave service members – it’s not lip service when we say “behind every great service member there’s a wife, husband, child or parent” that makes it all possible.
Today those in uniform likely aren’t participating in parades, knocking off early or enjoying a three martini lunch…they’re executing hard missions that make average citizens stand in awe of their contribution, their dedication, their perseverance. Only because of their sacrifices are we able to enjoy, and even take for granted, the very freedoms that ensure this great democracy, the United States of America, endures and thrives.
Happy Veterans Day, everyone.
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