Today is Veterans Day, the day we honor veterans of all wars.
The history of Veterans Day goes back to World War I -- known at the time as “The Great War.”
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
If only it were so. But still we remember veterans of all the wars since Armistice Day.
World War II. Korea. Vietnam. And so many others, including the present unpleasantries.
Boys die.
Men die.
Women die.
Civilians die.
Families grieve.
Many suffer.
And yet we remember the veterans, with honor, for their sacrifices made on our behalf.
Yesterday was our Veterans Day Parade. And we remember.
3 comments:
What a great post! And great pictures, too.
I recently joined an organization called Soldiers' Angels. It's a great way to let the guys who are overseas now to let them know they're being remembered, too. If you have the time and inclination, you might check out their web site.
Crystal
That is a great post! I enjoyed seeing the photos. Good job!
An interesting footnote to WW I that popped into my head while reading your Vet's Day piece, was in so called "Polar Bear Expedition'' In which American troops invaded the very young Soviet Union in an attempt (i believe) to dislodge the communists. It didn't work, but it did result in more graves of young Americans in various parts of the globe. It's also an event largely ignored in the US but that was known to every Soviet schoolkid. (this is eeeekhistory and should not be confused with the real thing)
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