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

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

[Beth528]

I have never seen the wall either Billie..I would do the same thing and cry..

[DollyCali]

Hi there ! thanks for stopping by. hope you get time over the weekend to browse Billie;s thread. We aren't having Texas weather here but it is mild (for Ohio)

[Alberta's Child]

Happy Veterans Day, Victoria. That's a great poem!

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks AC, and don't work too hard.

[Alberta's Child]

Not working too hard at all. I do have to leave soon for a meeting in our New Jersey office, but that just means I'll be getting home earlier than usual tonight!

Hope to see you later!

[Darksheare]

Thanks.
I'm glad I'm not shivering and dizzy anymore.
That was wild.

[Victoria Delsoul]

See you later, AC. Be good now.

[Billie]

Wonderful tribute, Billie. Thank you.

Thank you, Victoria - good to see you during the day! You always bring such lovely posts to our threads.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Wild is OK, but I don't want you dizzy.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks much, Billie. It's always good to see you as well.

Hope you're enjoying your day.

[Darksheare]

LOL.

Well, when I get a mild fever, you immediately know it as I am off balancee and allover.

[Billie]

Some historians believe the cost of World war II to equal at least 50 million lives.

Seeing it in writing makes it seem even more unbelievable. :(

Thank you for taking the time to type this, Aqua - it's quite a moving speech.

[Beth528]

Happy Veterans Day Mr President!!

[Billie]

How come you look so much better in red than the rest of us? lol

[Billie]

Fantastic! Hi, Leni! Great poem, and so very true!

[Billie]

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

At least I know you noticed - that means you looked at the thread anyway. LOL!

[Darksheare]

I look mighty funny in red, but hey.. who am I to argue?
;-)

[Victoria Delsoul]

LOL!!!

[Billie]

I have never seen the wall either Billie..I would do the same thing and cry..

In reality, I would imagine there would be more moved to tears than not. It must be overwhelming to walk the length of the wall, seeing all those names. :(

[Army Air Corps]

Hello and thanks for the tribute.