A day in Honor of Those who Served
A week after the midterm elections have sunk in and the shock of the Democratic landslide has worn off a bit, it is time to get back to some semblance of ordinary living. Along with strategizing to counter the devastating vote, we must also keep the patriotic holidays front and center for the American public through ongoing education. Let’s begin tomorrow by honoring all our veterans.
Veterans Day, which is celebrated every November 11th. Since few people know the day’s history and meaning, patriots must promote it to generations who have never been taught its significance.
Veterans Day began at the beginning of last century and has evolved into what it is today. It began in 1919 after World War I ended and was called Armistice Day, established by President Woodrow Wilson. The term armistice means a cessation of fighting between parties, specifically between the Allied powers and Germany. The day was intended to celebrate the end of World War I.
Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938 and remains so today. After World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it Veterans Day in 1954. The intent was to honor all veterans who served in U.S. wars.
Every year, a wreath-laying ceremony is conducted promptly at 11:00 AM Eastern Time at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Normally, the president fulfills this role. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has its own history. The memorial was erected in 1921 and symbolically represents the final resting place for unidentified fallen soldiers. Tragically, many soldiers have been killed during wars and have never been laid to rest. This monument honors them and their families, assuring them that the country has not ignored the sacrifice of these service members.
Veterans Day is sometimes confused with Memorial Day. Unlike the latter, which honors all those who have died in service to their country, Veterans Day honors all living veterans, whether in wartime or peace.
Honoring our veterans is central to the country’s ethos and to promoting freedom. In our country, where these brave individuals enlist rather than are drafted, their sacrifice deserves honor. What is often forgotten is that when these courageous soldiers commit to defending the Constitution, they promise their lives to protect it. Anyone willing to give their life to protect the country’s freedom deserves a day of thanks from a grateful populace.
Besides honoring our veterans, diligence in promoting patriotic holidays and principles is needed to drown out those who want to destroy the country. More people need to honor veterans and place their hands on their hearts during the national anthem than those who do not.
Fly your American flag on Wednesday, November 11
Thank you, Veterans, for your service to the country!