In Honor of "Veterans Day"

As we know . . . Veterans Day is originally known as Armistice Day and recognized on November 11th to honor military men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day honors all of those who have served this country in war or peace -

And this special day is to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of our country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for their beliefs.

So in honor of this important day . . . let's take a moment to learn its history . . .

World War I, also known as "The Great War", ended when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 and was regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars".

Seven months later the war was "officially" ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.

That same year in November of 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words . . .

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of these 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".

And this is why we honor, hold remembrance and still to this day hang the American flag at half mast. And at 11 am. we hold a moment of silence for 2 minutes honoring Veterans day.

John F. Kennedy said it best . . . "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words . . . but to live by them"

So on this great day, we as true Americans should show our gratitude for the "freedom" that we have been so blessed with.