A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-10,11,12-06....Honoring Veterans Everywhere

November 10, 2006 | 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.

10-01-06 ~ Hall of Fame #17

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 11-06-06 Military Monday 11-07-06 I Pledge Allegiance 11-08-06 Warm Fuzzy Wednesday 11-09-06 Putting things wildly in perspective

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

[GodBlessUSA]

Wonderful Meg! :)

[MEG33]

Beautiful, Billie..You have made such a wonderful tribute thread to our Veterans!

[Billie]

Thank you, GeeBee - like you and many others, I think these patriotic graphics and tribute threads are the easiest to do because they're the most gratifying. Actually, the only thing new I did this year was the table above with the Soldier's Story. But I bet you have tons of patriotic backgrounds just like I do, because that's what I remember seeing from you first!

[MEG33]

Thank you, GeeBee..I owe so much to our Veterans.

[Diver Dave]

With a grateful heart to veterans everywhere... wherever you are... whenever you served... may I say, "Thank you for your sacrifices, God Bless You, and God Bless America."

Thank you for that outstanding tribute. It means a lot to me.

It started raining a short while ago, but it won't dampen my spirits as I head downtown to attend the Veteran's Day Parade. The rain may chill the body, but seeing my fellow Vets and the tributes to them will warm the soul.

Be back later with some pics.

Salute to my fellow Vets.

[Majie Purple]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD-IgFhmVdI&search=veterans

[Majie Purple]

Sorry clintoon is in that video. Didn't notice him in the vid the first look see...If it was up to me Pres. Bush would be the Presidential picture rep instead...

[Majie Purple]

[Majie Purple]

[Majie Purple]

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Afternoon Maj
HUGS!

[Majie Purple]

Calling All Lurkers/Lookieloo's Please come out of the woodwork...as the saying goes.... Honor Our Vets who are Posting/Lurking/Lookie Looing too....C'mon'C'mon,C'mon,C'mon I know ya want to!

[Majie Purple]

Hi Dear GeeBee!
HUGS in return!

[GailA]

Only two people on earth volunteer to die for us....the American Soldier and Jesus Christ. GOD bless our Troops.

[The Mayor]

http://www.whc.net/rjones/USN/USN_team.html

[no more apples]

Big thanks to all the veterans who have kept our nation strong and free!

[Lady Jag]

[lysie]

I was so wrapped in Ray's singing, I scarcely noticed x42. Still worth watching and listening. Thanks.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

[Majie Purple]

Thanks a bushel n m Apples!
Did You pick Your S N because You used to be a Teacher?
You know kids traditionally give Teacher's apples...
Just wonderin' is all.