“On that day let us solemnly recall the sacrifices made by all those who fought valiantly on the seas and in the air to preserve our heritage and freedom. Let us recommit ourselves to the task to promote and endure peace so that their efforts will not have been in vein.” – 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Veterans Day proclamation. 105 Years Later…
The First World War ended on the 11th hour of the 11th Day, 11th Month of 1918. The official Armistice had been signed earlier in the morning. For those who experienced it, WWI was “the Great War”, “the War to End All Wars”. Tragically, a greater conflict consumed the globe just two decades later. Veterans Day is celebrated by Americans 104 years after WWI ended. In Canada, it is called Remembrance Day. On this solemn day, we honor all those who served in the military during wartime and peace. Even though more veterans die each year, the United States still has about 19 million veterans. Today, take time to honor the soldiers, sailors, or airmen who served their country with pride. Veterans Day is a day to remember the sacrifices made by all veterans. Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. James Peake, asked Americans to honor the nation’s 19,000,000 living veterans and generations before them that fought to protect democracy and freedom: “While today our thoughts are with those who are fighting in distant war zones, Veterans Day gives Americans an opportunity to pay their respects for all who answered America’s call to military duty.” These men and woman muster great courage to overcome the permanent injuries they sustained in battle. These soldiers, some of whom have lost limbs in battle, still volunteered to return. This is true patriotism.
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Brothers in Arms – Army veteran Dennis Phelps embraces Navy veteran Norman L. Floyd at an Armed Forces Day Parade in Torrance (CA) on May 20, 2023. Photo by: Army Reserve Sgt. Mebea Demelash.
Photo Sgt. Ken Scar, U.S. Army.
World War II Hero — Maj. General John V. Meyer III, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Mullinax stands with former Master Sergeant. Charles N. Shay in Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer, France, June 5, 2023. The ceremony honored Shay as well as Native American soldiers that fought on D-Day. Photo by: Army Spc. Daniela Lechuga. Department of Defense has more Veterans Day photos. Department of Defense — Honoring Veterans. National Veterans Day Ceremony
Veterans Day National Ceremony takes place every year at Arlington National Cemetery on the 11th of November. The ceremony begins at exactly 11:00 a.m., with a wreath being laid at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It continues in the Memorial Amphitheater where veterans’ organizations parade their colors. The ceremony is meant to honor and thank those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. There are also major regional ceremonies and events held across the country.
