The sun began to peak over the horizon as the flag traveled up the pole. Cars and pedestrians stop their travels with they hear the first notes of the ceremony being played. Marines salute as the symbol of our nation’s freedom gently waving in the breeze slowly rose up into the sky.
In November 1919, President Wilson declared November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following declaration:
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…
When Armistice Day became a legal holiday in 1938, it was originally set aside to honor only veterans of World War I. In 1954, after more wars had been fought, new legislation was enacted which declared Veteran’s Day a time to honor American veterans of all wars.
Veteran’s Day is a time to honor our veterans and thank them for their willingness to serve and for the sacrifices they have made in serving their country.
I am grateful for the men and women – past and present – who are willing to serve their country, protect our freedoms, and make daily sacrifices for the country they love. I am thankful to be married to a man who holds dear the creed – Honor ~ Courage ~ Commitment.
Today, as we honor and celebrate these men and woman, may we not forget the sacrifices that have been made. May we not forget to say thank you as those simple words need to be spoken more frequently. May we remember that although we may not agree with everything our government does, we can still rally around our troops and lift them up. Prayer is the mightiest of allies.
