Thursday, November 11, 2010

Remember the Veterans

This is the day the Germans signed the armistice ending World War I, the war to end all wars. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 to be Armistice Day in remembrance of WWI vets. In 1938 it would become a legal holiday "dedicated to the cause of world peace."

Not until 1953, thanks to Kansas shoe store owner Alvin King, was Armistice Day expanded to celebrate all veterans and renamed Veterans Day. In many countries around the world this day is still known as Armistice or Remembrance Day.

My dad and his crew with the Eager Beaver

The Germans signed the Armistice to end the war to end all wars the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Wreath-laying ceremonies are scheduled for monuments around the Washington area, including the ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery laying the wreath is at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Veterans Day honors the young men and women who have fought or are still fighting.