Thursday, November 9, 2017

Veteran's Day 2017


It is Veteran's Day and despite what you read it is not about sales it is about remembering our veterans. During World War I ended 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.”In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"


San Francisco Veteran's Memorial in Downtown

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the 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) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.


And here is the War Memorial Performing Arts Building in Downtown San Francisco, built in 1931:



World War I Memorial


The important purpose of Veterans Day is: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.


And a boot camp picture of a young sailor in 1990.

8 comments:

  1. In a modern world that goes to war far too easily, without enough consideration of those who are affected by it, it is always important to remember those who were sent into battle by our leaders and who fought so bravely on our behalf. #AnythingGoes

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  2. Patrick,

    I enjoyed reading the history behind Veterans Day and the photos were a great addition. I think it's important for us to not forget those who gallantly served America and for many paid a steep price for his/her brave selflessness. I want to say, thank you for standing in arms to protect me, my family, friends, my neighbors, and the rest of the USA. None of us can show our gratitude enough for your willingness to keep America free. May God bless you!

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  3. Lovely memorial - thanks for sharing.

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  4. Thanks for sharing this! Honoring our Veterans is so very important. I'm so thankful for or freedoms and rights that they so bravely have fought for! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  5. Thanks for sharing the history on Veteran's Day with us at The Blogger's Pit Stop! Roseann from www.thisautoimmunelife.com

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  6. Remembering veterans is so important! In Canada we do the same on November 11 - though we call it 'Remembrance Day' - but it all comes down to the same thing, which is to honour the sacrifices made by our vets. Thanks for sharing a little of your own history of Veteran's Day...'Lest We Forget.'

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