The date of Nov. 11 was originally set aside to commemorate the armistice of World War I signed at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. It was to close the ”war to end all wars.” But as we all know, there were many more wars to come, which required the young men and women of this country to go into harm’s way on the battlefield and to serve in their country’s armed forces.

Memorial Day was established shortly after the War Between the States to remember this nation’s war dead and the sacrifice they had made for their country. With the subsequent conflicts of World War II and the Korean “police action,” Armistice Day no longer held such meaning for those who had recently served the United States and had little or no recollection of the meaning of the “Armistice Day” connected with World War I.

In October 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law the official change of Armistice Day to Veterans Day, to remember the sacrifices of all who had served in America’s armed forces.

So on this Veterans Day, let us remember those who have given their lives to defend our way of life, whether they are buried in the foremost military cemetery at Arlington, Va., in the regional military cemeteries around our country, or in family burial plots with a small, simple American flag flying over it.

Let’s also remember those living memorials to our nation’s struggle to remain free. They are all around you. The individual of which I speak may be your father, mother, brother, sister, child or friend. Then, too, that person may be someone who you pass and not know. But rest assured, he or she has given a portion of their lives to see that you may lead yours in the manner that you choose. Most have made that sacrifice and then returned to a life in which they may be visible but in most cases anonymous.

You may never know the lonely days and nights they spent at sea or walking a post, rifle in hand, through the snow; or in the humid heat of a tropical downpour or the dry heat in the desert sand.

The fact is, whether this country was at war or peace (read that as the “Cold War”), the United States of America exists today because these men and women have made the sacrifice to preserve our way of life. These dedicated people are all around you. They made their contribution and then returned to live their lives in the society that they helped to safeguard.

It isn’t too much for you to acknowledge their contributions to the life that you enjoy today. Take the time to honor them on this Veterans Day. Go to one of the parades or celebrations in your area. Turn to the veteran next to you and just thank him or her for their service. After all, that individual may have been the only obstacle to your enslavement or death by the hand of some dictator.

Take the time to recognize the immeasurable contributions of these dedicated men and women. Also, make sure your children understand what they mean to all of us. In the future, they may be asked to serve, and they need to know why they are free and why they may be asked to carry on a important tradition to keep our country the envy of the world.

Remember to thank a veteran for what they have done for you.

You must be logged in to comment.