Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day

Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice).

To all those who have served or are still serving in our military, thank you for your honor and courage in protecting and defending our freedom.  Our gratitude to these men and women should be as great as our desire is to live peacefully throughout the world.  WWI was supposed to be the war to end all wars.  Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case.

As "we the people" of this country and the world move forward, let's hope and pray that we can put our differences aside, settle our disputes civilly and peacefully, but most importantly, recognize that "all men are created equal".  Thomas Jefferson wrote this so eloquently when our great country was founded.  Let's all be veterans to promote peace, not just today but every day.  Let our actions and words ring out the value of freedom and justice for all, so that we can have lasting peace on Earth!

2 comments:

  1. I spoke with my father today, thanking him for his part in defending our freedom. Like so many men and women of the "greatest generation", he gratefully acknowledged this, but that was enough recognition for him.
    He proceeded to share with me another story though and that was his remembrance of this day as the birthday of his youngest brother, a career military man. He said it had been snowing and the doctor had trouble getting to the house because of the poor driving conditions. However, he eventually arrived in time to help with the home delivery which came when darkness had fallen.
    On this Veteran's Day, I have been reminded of 2 things: the self sacrifice that so many people have made, but in a more personal way, the self sacrifice and commitment that my father has always shown his family. That is what I celebrate today and every day. Thanks to the "band of brothers" I lovingly call my Dad and my uncles.

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  2. A resounding "second" to that! I didn't get on line yesterday, so a late thanks for all the service from our retired and active military! J

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