Veterans Day
Today is Veterans Day, a day to remember and honor those who have fought for our freedom and those who have died on their way to the fight, such as the Ft. Hood victims. And it doesn’t require Prez O, or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to lead your celebration; too, you don’t have to attend a parade, although that would be a good idea. You can just speak your thankfulness to God or even the elements or directly to a veteran.
In my town, veterans have created “The Healing Fields” at a local park consisting of more than 5000 flags, each honoring a named veteran of the current Iraqi/Afghan/Pakistan war(s). There will be a parade in a neighboring town. My family has a veteran; does yours? Be thankful. Be an activist; thank a veteran today.
This commemorative holiday, originally Armistice Day, was established by Congress in 1926, to honor the armistice ending WWI – signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. It became a national holiday 12 years later; and in 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th to be Veteran’s Day, thereby including all military veterans in the honor. From 1968 thru 1978 the day was established as the 4th Monday in November, but remains today, as intended, on the 11th.Thank you, veterans, for fighting in my place.
Kris Kristopherson penned lyrics, immortalized by Janis Joplin, “Freedom’s just another word for ‘nuthin’ left to lose”, but don’t believe a word of it. Freedom must be valued, fought for, and earned … usually through force. Our veterans, deceased, living and fighting, are doing exactly that for you and me: earning our freedom. Thank you.
There are approximately 25mn living war veterans; go find one and tell him/her “thanks”.
On this day in history: 1921 – The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is dedicated; 1942 – Not enough soldiers fighting in WWII, so military draft is expanded to ages 18-37
On a positive note: Honoring our Veterans isn’t just for the do-gooders, you know. AP reports than an army reservist was robbed at gun-point by a gang of robbers recently. The leader, after reviewing the contents of the victim’s wallet and discovering his reserve status, bro’t the stolen goods back and “fist-bumped” the victim; then thanked him for his service.
Blessings.