Tomorrow is a very important day . . . . lest we forget: World War I came to an end-in the 11th hour-of the 11th day-of the 11th month, l9l8, when Germany signed the Armistice. The holiday commemorating that event was known for many years as “Armistice Day” or “Remembrance Day.” However, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed that the name of the holiday would be forever changed. In part he stated in that proclamation: “lt has long been our custom to commemorate November 11, the anniversary of the ending of World War I, by paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle and by rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace. He also said: ...in order to expand the significance of that commemoration, and in order that a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation, the Congress officially changed the name of the holiday to ‘Veterans Day’.” Since that time nearly 60 years ago, the United States has been involved in numerous other military conflicts. Those conflicts have added millions of veterans-living and dead- to the honor rolls of this great nation .... To that end it is important for us to understand what Veterans Day is really all about. While we must never forget those men and women who answered the call to defend this country and who ultimately paid the highest price to be called Americans, this day is, nevertheless, largely intended to thank those veterans who are still living-for their unrelenting service—to acknowledge that their contributions to the security of these United States are truly appreciated—and to underscore the fact that all those who served—not just those who died—have also sacrificed greatly while doing their duty for the love of God and Country. It is on this day that we must solemnly remember the sacrifices by all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of the freedoms we hold sacred. So that when we “PIedge allegiance to our Flag, of the United States of America-and to the Republic for which it stands—one Nation—under God-indivisible—with liberty and justice for alI,” we are also giving our solumn oath to reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace to insure their efforts shall not have been in vain. And so, to all our Veterans. we salute you and offer our most heartfelt, “Thank you.” --written and delivered by H. Henry Sheffer III
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 23:19:38 +0000
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