Honor the Military

 

 

In the United States, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. The armistice ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.” Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and, in many places, the American flag is flown at half-mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11 AM.

In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the anniversary of the armistice should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving. The Congress also requested that the president should issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) was approved on May 13, 1938, that made November 11 in each year a legal holiday, known as Armistice Day. This day was originally intended to honor veterans of World War I. A few years later, World War II required the largest mobilization of service men in the history of the United States. American forces also fought in Korea. In 1954, the veterans’ service organizations urged Congress to change the word "Armistice" to "Veterans". Congress approved this change, and on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor all American veterans, where ever and whenever they had served.

Honor Our Military

Let's honor our military,
The men and women who serve,
Whose dedication to our country
Does not falter, halt or swerve.

Let's respect them for their courage;
They're ready to do what's right
To keep America safe,
So we can sleep better at night.

Let's support and defend our soldiers,
Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,
Whose discipline we can't imagine,
Who follow each order and rule.

Here's to those who choose to be warriors
And their helpers good and true;
They're fighting for American values;
They're fighting for me and you.

By Joanna Fuchs

www.poemsource.com