“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…” These words first uttered by President Wilson echo the nation’s praise for the military troops and their service to their country. Veterans Day goes by many names: Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans Day, and it serves the purpose of making sure that this country knows what the soldiers have done for their families and the people they swore to protect and serve.
On the 11th day of the 11th month, the world stood still, and the fighting ceased. World War 1, also know as the Great War at the time, had ended and peace was finally a prospect for many soldiers who had been away from home far too long. November 11, 1918, is considered the day the war ended though the Treaty of Versailles wasn’t signed until June of the following year.
Armistice Day was celebrated that following year on November 11, 1919. The observation of this holiday was first meant for November 11, The Veteran Administration wrote, “The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.” This was because the fighting ceased at 11 am.
For veteran, James Curtis, who served in the Vietnam War Veteran’s Day means something completely different. Curtis says, “My family, my wife’s and mine goes back all the way revolutionary war, they fought on two different sides, but they all fought for one thing freedom.” He remembers the people he served with his friends and loved ones who served so America could remain the home of the free. When asked what Veterans Day meant to him Curtis said it was to “celebrate the guys that lost half their souls and half their lives for people to have the freedom to do what they do and to celebrate what vets did to give people the freedom to have the rights we have, to vote, to go to school.” Curtis with tears in his eyes uttered a soft thank you to those who like him have served and those who continue to do their duty to keep America free.
In 1954, Armistice Day turned Veteran’s Day and became a celebration for all veterans. Armistice Day became a national holiday in 1938, 20 years after the war ended.
As a community, we want to thank those that have and continue to serve. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.
