November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 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 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."
In legislation passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day."
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans."
November 11th thereafter became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
My father served in both WWII and the Korean War, receiving a Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat in Korea. His wounds healed, but his love of country and gratitude for those who defend our freedom never waned. His profound patriotism was contagious and is forever seared in my heart and mind.
Thank you, Daddy.
Thank you, Veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans."
November 11th thereafter became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
 |
| via Pinterest |
Thank you, Daddy.
Thank you, Veterans.
