Did you know that what was once Armistice Day became Veterans Day? World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans. In 1968, new 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. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date. So today is Veterans Day and I want to thank them all for the sacrifices they made just for me. My dad was Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII. Frank was Navy also and served during Vietnam. Frank's dad was Air Force and served in Korea and Vietnam. My SIL is currently serving in the Air Force. My family and friends have done them all. I have had family in every war that has been fought in the United States since the War of 1812. My family has been defending this country for a long time and still is. I am sure yours has/is too. I searched everywhere for some uplifting poetry this morning that was not sad and depressing....finally I found the sweetest salute that I just had to share with you. It is called Their Courage:
Their courage deems utmost respect
Their mission clear, our way protect
It’s sure to each what they must do
No give or take, keep freedom true
With the grand old flag, they'll unite
Whenever they must, march to fight
A life we know counts hard on them
Without their ranks, hellish problem
If our Armed Forces ceased to be
How long could we survive as free
Let’s well realize the truthful score
We need our troops just like before
Boils down to this, words to engrave
Land of The Free, Due to The Brave
God Bless each one for being there
Their loved ones too, unending care
Hope born from love touches the will
Do back them strong, means to fulfill
Americans – Who Serve To Give
One Nation – Under God We Live
©2005Roger J. Robicheau
Whoever Roger Robicheau is I thank you. I could not have said it better if I had tried. I do right now...thank every veteran who has gone to stand in my place and given me the freedoms I personally hold dear. I thank you for the ability to worship where I chose, walk the streets of my hometown without being afraid(although that one is getting to be iffy), for the right to lift my hand to my chest and pledge, so I can sleep soundly at night at not hear the constant sound of bombs going off. I truly am humbled this morning and very proud to be an American. Thanks!
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