Freedom Isn't Free
Posted on 11/09/2007 4:58:34 PM PST by SandRat
11/9/2007 - ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Veterans Day is upon us. But, what does that really mean?
As a military journalist, it is my duty to inform readers of this upcoming federal holiday.
I decided to surf the World Wide Web for research, just in case the reason behind paying homage to America's 24 million veterans has changed over the past 50 or so years.
In seconds, nearly 10 million links loom before me. Gone are the days of the ol' hardbound encyclopedia, volume "V" for the black and white answer.
I skim a few titles that at least spelled Veterans Day correctly. I hone in on the first of a few inspiring passages.
"It is essential that we preserve the integrity of November 11 as that one extra-special day for the American people as a whole to pause in silence or demonstrate public recognition," said George Lisicki, the Veterans of Foreign Wars commander-in-chief.
"Remembering, gives true meaning to sacrifice and service," he continues. "Millions of Americans' lives were forever altered because they donned a uniform to protect the freedoms and rights we take for granted. We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to them. And acknowledging Veterans Day is the time that debt comes due," Mr. Lisicki, said.
Good stuff to repeat, I think. So, I share with you.
Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, which signified the end of World War I as "the war to end all wars." In 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The day would serve as "...a tribute for the nobility of all soldiers who have fought for or who are fighting for the United States." It was created, "...in order that a grateful nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this nation," wrote President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a "Veterans Day Proclamation" dated Oct. 8, 1954.
Back to my search and easily sidetracked, I added the word "sale" to the end of Veterans Day in the search window. Three million ads blanket my computer screen, shouting, "Veterans Day sale! Veteran's Day sale!"
These sales only "discount" the intention of this honorable holiday.
I fear the meaning behind Veterans Day and other holidays honoring people who have served our country seem to be going by the wayside so retailers can use these sacred days for their no-substance super sales to clear out overly inflated "holiday" inventory to make room for the next "holiday" sale. Is no holiday sacred anymore? Is it just a day off to shop?
Is Memorial Day just a day off for barbequers to kick off the summer? Is the 4th of July yet another excuse to have a BBQ and shoot off hundreds of dollars of cheaply made fireworks? Is Veterans Day just a great day to shop for a sale because it's too cold to BBQ?
I hope that there are patriotic souls out there saying, "No! That's not what these days of honor mean!
With a sprinkling of nice words and a little harsh judgment, my point is that the historical purpose of Veterans Day hasn't changed. The ol' hardbound encyclopedia could have told me that. Veterans Day is a day to honor those who are serving or who have served in the U.S. military.
There will be thousands of Veterans Day parades this weekend all across America. Don't complain about why the streets are blocked off and you have to take a detour. I urge you to go to one of those parades.
Do it for those of us thousands of service members in harms way or for veterans of the past who are unable to go because they are laid up in a hospital, or are too old now and too weak to be there physically, but hold the day in their heart with pride.
Cheer the veterans, past and present, who will be marching, limping and riding in those parades. Wave to the kids full of stride -- they are our future leaders. I ask that you give them all a wave of "thank you" for your freedom, from me, a veteran.
You know SandRat, after attending many Veteran Day Parades in the rainy NW weather, I almost thought it would be better served if we had the Veterans remembrance sometime in August, when we don’t have any real American holidays, and when we can expect the weather to cooperate..what are your thoughts?
I say leave it as it is Nov 11th in Honor of “In 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”
bump
There are only 4 remaining World War I veterans living in the United States.
Today, most Americans only know that World War I preceded World War II. Its cause, purpose, and most every other detail about it have long passed from the general public’s mind.
When asked “What was the deadliest war in US history”, close to a majority will respond “Vietnam”. That percentage is significantly higher in those under 30 years of age.
Veterans Day should also be a day to learn, and a day to teach, as well as a day to remember.
Roger that, just hated to see our 70 and 80 year old Vets being affected by the weather, but your right, it is history and tradition.
was actually an artificial day/date/time that was more "Hollywood" than practical. I DO NOT remember the exact day - - - but let's say that it was November the 6th or 7 or 8th or whatever when the 11/11/11 time was selected (ie: agreed to by the Allied Forces and their enemies) actually caused the lives of hundreds or even thousands of US GI's that continued to fight and die "WAITING" for the " Hollywood Announcement of 11/11/11 ".
Never before have I had the opportunity to determine the truth of this claim so I ask of the Freeper's of the world . . . . does anyone know of this thought that comes from way back in my mind????
Commercialization of Veterans Day is repugnant.
Agreed as is the commercialism of Memorial Day, Independance Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
My Dear Sgt Hanson,
With regards to Veterans Day sales, that just is the way of things.. Corporate Suits have no honor themselves so it is just too much to expect they show honor or respect towards anyone else.
“Is Memorial Day just a day off for barbequers to kick off the summer? Is the 4th of July yet another excuse to have a BBQ and shoot off hundreds of dollars of cheaply made fireworks?”
Knowing you are a GI I speak only with respect.. Of course you are right in that it is more than that.. That being said, I personally can think of no better way to remember our honored dead our friends and comrades the shared sacrifice of all past generations.
Families with kids running around screaming. Dad burning the meat. Moms defending the potato salad against wasps..Sunburns, headaches maybe from too much sun or one too many beers..
I think those in my family who served this country for the last 150 years including those that lost their lives as far back as the Civil War... I think the Greeks that stood a Thermopolye including the 300 Spartans (my ancestors) would smile and nod their heads in approval. I think they would say...
Yes, that is exactly what we sacrificed for...
Family, Fun, Freedom.
W
I found this in my Dads effects (he died at 73)
WWII every theater but the Aleutians..
3 Bronze Stars with Combat V. CMB. Airborne.
I Did Not Die
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there;
I did not die.
- Anon -
I am so Glad that there are so many Other Threads here also , but then again I am not surprised Since we are talking about Freepers anyhow! and I am also NOT surprised either on not only the ;A)-LACK of "Coverage/Reporting" on the NEWS Channels/Shows and, B) ABUNDANCE of Coverage of those ANTI-MILITARY/Anti-War events/rallies, "News Stories"!
From my response concerning the THREAD here also on the VIDEO offered by the Smithsonian concerning Verterans Day:
Smithsonian Channel – ‘Remembering Vietnam: The Wall at 25’ Smithsonian Channel ^ | November 11, 2007 | Smithsonian Channel Posted on 11/07/2007 11:07:10 PM PST by DakotaRed
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/1922651/posts
Besides that all of the Real, Factually Correct Histories of All U.S. Involved Wars should be Readily available TO All and IN All Public Areas -
--(Libraries, School(s) Libraries & College Course Study Classes )
-Our so-called & Self Named and Self Appointed "Conservative/Republican Leaders should grow a Pair and but forth a Bill REQUIRING that such Proud, Necessary and Righteous Wars & Conflicts be MANDATORY Courses of Study in At Least the High School level!
AND on ALL Channels,News/Cable Stations!!! for Veterans/Memorial/July 4th days!
(Those Dems & Libs Should Also really back this idea too-of Manadtory History Studies BACKED by the Gov't since THEY Seem to always also BACK other Communist & Socialist Countries when THEY make Their Histories/Propaganda School Classes MANDATORY!...normally too under penalty of either Death or Being sent to Re-Education Farms"...in very, very cold parts of their nation! Like Siberia!)
AND...since DEMS also Back " Fainess Doctrines " in the Media-- They should also pass Bills to ensure Armed Force Holidays be supported and Positively (Truthfully; in other words!) Aired considering the seriously LACKING Representation of POSITIVE U.S. Armed Conflict Stories while today (& All Other Military, Historical Days) those Anti-American & Anti-Military, Negatively portrayed Stories seem to be the Majority Aired & supported in the Electronic & Print Media!
If I witness MSNBC, WABC, CBS repeatedly playing & giving Prime Coverage with CONSTANT "Up-Dates" thru their days' Programing/shows today and MORE Air time to 14-16 ( That's FOURTEEN! to SIXTEEN!) 19 & 20 years old in the Scarcely Populated (And HIGHLY LIBERAL) State of Washington than the ONE Three MINUTE "Expose" they had concerning VERTERAN's Day 2007 I will throw up!!! (CBS Presented their story beginning with the intro,"...at a MASS PROTEST RALLY today in Washington..Police were called in...Yada..Yada...-NOT mentioning the Actual LACK of " Mass-ES " who did NOT show up! So in THEIR Eyes; 14-16 High Schoolers and drop-outs constitute " Masses "!!
Thank You Sand Rat, & Dokata Red and all those Patriots who also Posted concerning today's Importance! , for this post and all others who support the Spreading and Promotion of the FACTUAL and Un-Biased Stories and Histories of This Proud, Free nation and those who Unselfishly and Courageously have & are Serving to Keep Us Free!
D.A.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.