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!

[Billie]

[Billie]

Good morning! It is Friday, November 11th ~ Veterans Day, and you are invited to join us as we pay tribute to our Veterans today through Sunday.

I have also been asked to mention that if you have a Golden Corral Restaurant in your area, they will be honoring their Veterans and Active Duty Personnel with a free dinner on Monday, November 14th, from 5 to 9 PM.

[DollyCali]

Hello Sistah.. wonderful thread. wonderful!!!!!

[luvie]

We take this time to salute our Vets who through the history of our country have fought and died for all of us. THANK YOU!!!

[luvie]

Good night till tomorrow! I just had to post now. Sweet dreams to all!

[DollyCali]

i am heading off too.. been crying my way thru Temple Owls thread about his Ink's death

[Billie]

Thank you, Sistah. I'm up past my bedtime, but wanted to post this since I'm always so late on Friday mornings. :) 'nite!

[Billie]

'nite, Luv. Sandman's calling. Back in the morning. :)

[Army Air Corps]

Many heartfelt thanks to all the soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen who have for this nation and her people and principles.

Also, a bowed head for all the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who are on eternal patrol.

[luvie]

I don't think I could have read it. I cried like a baby at the post he put here on the Finest.

I've been crying at the veteran tributes on the Canteen. My eyes are killing me and my nose is all red! *sniff* I couldn't take any more tears tonight! It seems to be a night of tears.....

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

I just wanted to let you all know that the largest Veteran's Day parade will be held in Fresno CA (does that place sound familiar?) tomorrow morning.

It is going to be telecast ed by the our local NBC affiliate, but is also being pick up for broadcast by 10,000 other stations. So you can look for it nationwide. The troop overseas will also be able to see it because the pentagon is going to feed it through their stations. I don't know that times of the broadcast or whether it will be a live telecast or a tape delay.

[Dan Lacey]

[Heartofsong83]

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

[DragonMarine]

Thank you, Billie
Thank you

[Diver Dave]

Digging through my archives for an appropriate graphic to salute and thank my brother and sister veterans.

Grandsons Christian and Logan wearing hats belonged to my great uncle Axel, a WWI Army veteran, and one of my white hats from the Vietnam era...

Thank You Veterans for making this
The Land of the Free
Because of the Brave
Salute!

[dixie sass]

None of the pictures or anything is loading! I don't know what's wrong. Is it me?

[Beth528]

I walked along that long black wall, crying in the rain. For all those men who've touched our lives, we'll never see again.

[GailA]

Good morning every one, and Thank You VETERANS.

[DollyCali]

A special day to honor and remember all of our Veterans~
"A Pittance of Time"

[DollyCali]

Thanks Dan. Are you a vet?