I never served in the military. There are many villagers like me who never wore a uniform nor faced the unknown terror of war fought on foreign soil. As such, I thought it would be helpful to share this brief history of Veterans Day.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, originated after World War I. The fighting between the Allies and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. To honor that, President Wilson issued a proclamation in 1919 that the armistice would be commemorated November 11.
By 1926, 27 states had made Armistice Day a holiday. In 1938, Congress passed a bill making it a national holiday. After World War II and the Korean War, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans in 1954. In 1968, 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 and President Gerald Ford officially returned the observance to its traditional date effective in 1978.
October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans and President Gerald Ford officially returned the observance to its traditional date effective in 1978.
When Nov. 11 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed the next day.
Regardless of your thoughts on the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq ... today is a day that we can honor all of our brothers and sisters in the military.
Today, my thoughts go out to the families 
of Rear Admiral Benjamin Hacker and Captain Charles Hicks. These two naval officers, now deceased, are part of my family tree ... and I am very proud of both of them.
of Rear Admiral Benjamin Hacker and Captain Charles Hicks. These two naval officers, now deceased, are part of my family tree ... and I am very proud of both of them.
Villagers, share your village voice about anyone that you know in the military. Let's beat our drums in a positive manner about them today.
21 comments:
Thanks for such a nice history and tribute Villager. My father is one of five brothers, two of whom served in the Vietnam War, one severely injured, and one served in the navy, now retired. The two who served in the army are also Grambling graduates. My uncles continue to serve this coutry in many other ways and are wonderful family men. I'm sure that we'll hear many more of these stories today.
Shout outs to my uncles, Edward White and Billy White, both Air Force vets from the Korea era. Also to any number of guys I grew up with or went to college with who have served at any point since the first Gulf War.
Future Veterans Day love to my brother, Master Sgt. Pleasant Lindsey III still serving in the Army and on his way from Iraq in the next few days.
Shelia & Martin - Much love to those in your family that serve in our nation's armed forces ... as well as those who are serving on the front lines here in America' day-to-day struggle!
Thank you for the service of those in your family. I respect their duty, their honor, their service, their courage, and their sacrifice.
Imagining not having any soldiers going to war suits me just fine. "I ain't gonna study war no more" just like in the song, 'Down by the Riverside's lyrics say.
I want you to drop by and pick up what is YOUR'S when you have time, kiddo.
*Hugs*
Travis - Asante sana!
Maryannaville - Thank you very much for the WINNING ATTITUDE AWARD. I've added it to my side panel with a link to your blog. I appreciate your kind thoughts and encouragement!
co-sign to Travis' comments
Thanks for sharing this Villager
Hello there Villager, {waves}
What a remarkable tribute!!
Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa
Much obliged for the tribute and history on this Veteran's Day. I join with you today in honoring our veterans. We will never really know just how much they've done to keep us safe and free. In preparing my tribute for today, I learned something that my Daddy never told me.
Tariq, Lisa & Sojourner - Thanx for sharing your village voice on this day of tribute to our veterans...
My paternal grandfather (who raised me) served overseas in WWII for three years. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge...the stories he told are etched in my mind forever.
My father was born 9 months to the day that my grandfather returned from the war. :)
My grandfather, who had strong Native American lineage, was often mistaken as biracial. The day he came back home from the war, he went to see my grandmother at her place of employment. He was asked to leave the restaurant/hotel, as it was a "whites only" establishment. Isn't that ironic? I think about that every Veterans' Day. He was "good enough" to serve our country in the service, but not "good enough" to celebrate victory with his wife in a public place. I know he would be proud if he were alive today to see Barack Obama, president elect, take office.
I'd also like to salute my brother-in-law, Fred Carr, who, as a naval officer, has served in Bosnia, Iraq and Croatia...among other locations...during his sixteen year career. He is currently serving in Afghanistan. He is to spend 1 1/2 years there. We are proud of his service, and pray for his safe return next year.
Kristi - On behalf of all villagers please accept our gratitude for the military service of your grandfather and brother-in-law. The story you told of your grandfather was an unfortunate part of American history. Our nation struggles with race relations. Hopefully, we are getting better...
Thanks for this post. I am glad we have this day to speak out and remember the contributions of our loved ones who served in all of America's armed services branches.
For those who are living, may you have peace and prosperity.
For those who have died, my you rest in peace.
Ajuan - Thank you for your tribute! Did you ever meet Ben or Charles in person before they passed away?
Thanks for the "History of Veterans Day". I appreciate the time, energy and effort you put into posting this info.
Thank you for this heartfelt dedication to these two heroic men and to other U.S. veterans. I have great respect for those who serve in the military. Blessings to all those who donned the uniform in service to our nation. We will never forget you.
Kenny and Ajuan - Asante sana. I wrote this post 2 years ago. I decided to re-post it each year on November 11 for new villagers who may have missed it before...
Omo, thanks for remembering Ben and Charles. I miss them both also. Iya
Nice post.
God bless those American veterans in your family, mine and around the world!!!
My father: Herman Johnson, Sr.
My father's brother, Ervin Johnson
My father's sister, Beverly Johnson
My Brother: Herman Johnson, Jr.
My Father in law: Ted Holly
My Nephew: Aaron Edwards
Lastly, myself.
The peoplpe listed above have, collectively, given 116 years of military service to our country. Most of us have been to war at least once.
Gunfighter - Asante sana to you and your family for the service given to our nation and its citizens!
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