Honoring Our Veterans

It began as Armistice Day on 11 November 1918

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

It was a day that marked the end of World War I, the most widespread and destructive “war to end all wars” ever known.

Capt. K. J. Fagan, USMC

Then came WW II, which saw even greater mobilizations of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. (Pictured are my father-in-law and uncle, both of whom served in the Pacific.) So in 1954, as yet more aggressions were fought in Korea, the word “Armistice” was replaced by “Veterans” and it became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Of course more conflicts followed and are continuing with no end in sight. By now we understand that the only war that will end all wars would require the annihilation of all living things!

You can supplement this bare bones history on the well-written webpage of the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You’ll find this holiday went through many more twists and turns than I’ve recorded here.

Cpl. Ralph T. Odle, USMC

But the point is: it seems that it’s always the best of us who die for the rest of us.  Young, strong, brave, disciplined and highly trained above any normal standard, they serve and suffer while we bake our apple pies, tweet, and idolize sports figures and Hollywood stars.

But this is the day to honor our warriors, and indeed we must. Now and forever.

Don’t forget to put out your flag.