From the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs:
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
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Steve Breen cartoon via Townhall
From Randall Martin at Townhall:
On this Veterans Day,
I Celebrate My Brothers And Sisters in Arms
Today we celebrate Veterans Day, a
holiday that honors all American veterans, living or dead, who served their
country honorably during war or peacetime.
On the “11th hour, of the 11th day,
of the 11th month” in 1918, the Allied nations and Germany agreed to an
armistice, ending World War I, which is generally regarded as “the war to end
all wars.” It became known as “Armistice Day,” and is commemorated by many
countries.
One year later, in Nov. 1919,
President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of
Armistice Day. On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a
resolution that stated, “Whereas it is fitting that the recurring
anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer
and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual
understanding between nations.” But it wasn’t until 1954 when the 83rd U.S.
Congress renamed Armistice Day, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of
“Veterans,” and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation and later
issued the first “Veterans Day
Proclamation.”
. . .
Roman statesman Marcus Tullius
Cicero once said, “Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but poorer still is
the nation that, having heroes, fails to remember and honor them.” These days,
we’re bombarded with ever-changing, media-created heroes. But they pale in
comparison to the real American heroes: my fellow men and women of the U.S.
armed forces, who took on the duty of protecting our freedoms, our homeland and
the defenseless around the world.
Let us be a nation that remembers
and honors all those who have served our country, not just on this Veterans
Day, but every day for the heroes they are.
So from one veteran to all the rest: God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
Full column is here.
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