"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…"
And with that, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first “Armistice Day.” Seven years later, Congress would adopt a resolution to direct the President to issue an annual proclamation calling upon all Americans to observe “Armistice Day” in the United States. Armistice Day would become a Federal holiday in 1938, and the name “Armisctic Day” would become “Veterans Day” in 1954.
While it has become something of a commercial event like other Federal holidays, it is an opportunity for Americans to remember the contributions that military veterans have made to ensure the blessings of liberty that Americans have enjoyed in the 89 years since Wilson’s declaration.
But in addition to remembrances of the contributions of those many veterans, it seems as worthy to remember the contributions of the families of those veterans, those mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who have sacrificed much – time spent apart from their loved ones, the burden of helping their wounded recover, and in laying to rest those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
To all of those who serve in uniform and their families, thank you.
And with that, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first “Armistice Day.” Seven years later, Congress would adopt a resolution to direct the President to issue an annual proclamation calling upon all Americans to observe “Armistice Day” in the United States. Armistice Day would become a Federal holiday in 1938, and the name “Armisctic Day” would become “Veterans Day” in 1954.
While it has become something of a commercial event like other Federal holidays, it is an opportunity for Americans to remember the contributions that military veterans have made to ensure the blessings of liberty that Americans have enjoyed in the 89 years since Wilson’s declaration.
But in addition to remembrances of the contributions of those many veterans, it seems as worthy to remember the contributions of the families of those veterans, those mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who have sacrificed much – time spent apart from their loved ones, the burden of helping their wounded recover, and in laying to rest those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
To all of those who serve in uniform and their families, thank you.
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