11:00 am November 11, 1918 marked the end of World War I, the world was at peace, hostilities ended and a bloody conflict became a memory. The armies headed home and the warriors returned to civilian life. It was that time and that date that the war to end all wars, it was over.
November 11 was set aside by President Wilson as a day of remembrance and reflection saying, “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…”
Unfortunately, war has not ended; it continues to tear the fabric of family life with sacrifice and sorrow. It is on this day we reflect and remember those that serve our nation with a sense of duty in war and peace. No act of service shall go unnoticed; no sacrifice too small, all of those that serve in uniform shall be remembered on this day.
Today we remember and thank our veterans of the past and yet we shall not forget our active duty personal that on this day serve our nation, on and off the battlefield. Our men and women serve and sometimes battle, not to gain territory but to protect our lives and preserve our freedom.
In 1954 Armistice Day was renamed to Veterans Day to better reflect the meaning of this day as a time of consideration for all the men and women that have served our nation in any and all branches of military service. It is a date too important to be set aside as any Monday just to gain a three day weekend. Veterans Day is November 11 a day of armistice earned with sacrifice, a time of peace in 1918 and a time of reflection in 2012.
On this day at 11:00am take the time to pause. Take a moment to thank a veteran, reflect on the sacrifice they have given, say a prayer and remember them, for they have made your life and your world a better place.
