Salute a Veteran
Today, November 11th, 2008 is the day we as a Nation celebrate Veterans Day. A day set aside to pay homage to the lives that have been lost in the name of this great country. A day also to celebrate all veterans of the United States Armed forces who HAVE and who ARE sacrificing and risking their very lives for the sake of freedom.
A history:
Armistice Day Becomes Veterans Day
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.
In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
Tomb of the Unknowns
Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center around the Tomb of the Unknowns.
To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."
We here in America enjoy many freedoms. Many of those freedoms tend to be taken for granted because we here enjoy more security than most of the rest of the world. The founders of this great country saw a chance with the forming of a new nation to create one that gave all men equal footing. While we do not guarantee everyone wealth(yet) we give all the same opportunities to achieve wealth. This could not happen without the sacrifice of a vigilant and dedicated military. Not only does our military defend and protect our freedom and democracy, we have extended ourselves to ensure freedoms may be enjoyed abroad.
What importance does this freedom mean today?
Without the United States of America's example and intolerance of human atrocity, many other countries must try and at least present their people some form of democracy. We ARE the light up on the hill. Our freedoms and liberties are still a beacon that bring many to our shores with its promises of opportunity not available in most of the world.
Today as you live your normal day, think of the sacrifices made to ensure your peaceful day. Thank a veteran, but not just today, when and where you see him or her. A hand shake or a smile, just to say thanks. You do not have to buy them dinner or pay for their movie, but you could. But whatever you do, let them know you appreciate everything they do for us!
Happy Veterans Day!
Have you thanked your Veteran today yet?
A history:
Armistice Day Becomes Veterans Day
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.
In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
Tomb of the Unknowns
Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center around the Tomb of the Unknowns.
To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."
We here in America enjoy many freedoms. Many of those freedoms tend to be taken for granted because we here enjoy more security than most of the rest of the world. The founders of this great country saw a chance with the forming of a new nation to create one that gave all men equal footing. While we do not guarantee everyone wealth(yet) we give all the same opportunities to achieve wealth. This could not happen without the sacrifice of a vigilant and dedicated military. Not only does our military defend and protect our freedom and democracy, we have extended ourselves to ensure freedoms may be enjoyed abroad.
What importance does this freedom mean today?
Without the United States of America's example and intolerance of human atrocity, many other countries must try and at least present their people some form of democracy. We ARE the light up on the hill. Our freedoms and liberties are still a beacon that bring many to our shores with its promises of opportunity not available in most of the world.
Today as you live your normal day, think of the sacrifices made to ensure your peaceful day. Thank a veteran, but not just today, when and where you see him or her. A hand shake or a smile, just to say thanks. You do not have to buy them dinner or pay for their movie, but you could. But whatever you do, let them know you appreciate everything they do for us!
Happy Veterans Day!
Have you thanked your Veteran today yet?
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