A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-11,12,13-05....Veterans Day ~ Honoring Veterans Everywhere

Billie

[Billie]

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America's veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as "Armistice Day".

Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holidiay 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was "the War to end all Wars," November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.

Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of WW II and Korea, Congress was requested to make this day an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.

We as Americas owe much to the brave men and women who have fought to preserve our freedom, and though we are thankful every day for their sacrifice, two special days have been set aside to honor them each year:

• Memorial Day honors the American Military who have died in their service for the country.
  
  
• Veterans Day is to appreciate all who have served their country, both alive and dead.

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

Every year the President of the United States urges All Americans to honor the commitment of our Veterans through appropriate public ceremonies. The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler plays "Taps." The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater.

God Bless our veterans on this day and all others. We owe you our gratitude and our respect, for without you America would not be the strong and free country we know and love.

09-27-05 ~ Hall of Fame #13

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 11-07-05 Military Monday 11-08,09-05 A "Left" Fantasy ~ Kerry Won! 11-10-05 Smithsonian Bling Blings

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[dixie sass]

It's fixed!

[Darksheare]

My thanks to all who have served, currently serve, and who will serve in the future.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Good post. Thanks Aquamarine.

I didn't forget to wear red. :-)

[Aquamarine]

Hi Victoria, there was more to the speech but I just typed up the part about the wall of stars. Sorry bout the typos, I had to type it up instead of cutting and pasting. Thought I had cleaned it up but can still count 3 typos. :(

[Darksheare]

Good afternoon!

[Victoria Delsoul]

Don't worry about it. You did a superb job and I appreciate the effort.

[MinuteGal]

It's so easy to forget for it was long ago
When the vets of our country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians with their compromise and ploys
Who won for us the freedoms that our country now enjoys

Should you find yourself in danger with your enemies at hand
Would you want a politician with his every shifting stand
Or would you prefer a soldier who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

(Lawrence Vaincourt 2003)

Leni

[Victoria Delsoul]

Good to see you, Dark! Hope all is well with you.

[dixie sass]

I thought that I had gone crazy or else my machine had!

[umbagi]

Thanks, Dolly -- you're a Doll!

And thanks, April, for the update on our hero.

[Darksheare]

Sorta, had a minor bout with a stomach bug the other day.
"But I got better!"

[Aquamarine]

Thanks.

BTW ... that was a great song you posted last night on the Bling thread.

[Billie]

Thanks for the update on Cigar Guy! Great to hear more from his wife and how he's doing now!

[Victoria Delsoul]

I'm so glad you feel better, Darks.

[Victoria Delsoul]

What song was it?

[Billie]

A beautiful tribute to our veterans on this special day ... thank you, Billie ... you've outdone yourself once again.

Thank *you*, J Fox - you always put a smile on my face.

[Aquamarine]

'Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend'

Going to the hair salon. Be back in a while.

[Billie]

Big week for my dad. 79th birthday Wednesday, 230th birthday of his beloved Marine Corps Thursday, and now Veteran's Day. He was in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam...

Oh golly! This IS a big week for your dad! You must be so proud of him, too. Wish we could all give him a great big hug and tell him thank you. Three wars, that is something! Thank you for posting that here on the Finest's Veterans Day thread.

THANK YOU, SIR!!!!

[Billie]

I do so pledge!

Hi, dixie! I'm glad to know you can see the graphics now. :)

[Victoria Delsoul]

Glad you liked it.

See you later, Aqua.