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!

[.30Carbine]

What a picture! Thank you Maj!

[.30Carbine]

A good word for this time bump!

[Majie Purple]

Thans as always for Your as always sweet posts & comments Caring Kitty!
HUGS in retun...

[Majie Purple]

Yes what a picture indeed!(subject matter)
T y .30C & Y w!!You'll always get a sunday ping & W F W one too!! for sure, & for certian...

[Billie]

Dave, wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this Veterans Day Parade pics and commentary. You always have such interesting and patriotic posts and pictures to share with us. THANK you!!

[Billie]

Meg, very, very late finishing reading posts on the weekend Veterans Day thread, but wanted to thank you for your compliment on the post and ALWAYS appreciate your beautiful contributions. Each of your posts are like opening a beautifully wrapped present. Thank YOU!

[Billie]

Thank you for dropping in on our Veterans Day thread this weekend!

[Billie]

I love, love, love your pictures!

[Billie]

Thank you, Majjie, for the special things you bring to all of our threads, and for all the little personal gif(t)s you choose so thoughtfully.

[Billie]

Saying hello to Luvbo - only 3 days late. :) (I wore red though) :)

[Billie]

Hi, Lady J - you posted some really neat graphics for our veterans - no surprise there, though. :)

[Billie]

Thank you, Lori, and loved your Happy Birthday USMC graphic! So rich-looking!

[Billie]

A belated hello to Sistah A with your pretty aqua sky. :)

[Billie]

Thank you, Dolly. Hope you enjoyed your weekend and felt as special as all of you veterans should!

[Billie]

Another belated hello to another of FR's Finest vets!

[Lady Jag]

There were a lot of wonderful and inspired graphics from many patriots here on FR for Veterans Day. It was a joy to see.

[luvie]

I missed you..glad ya had your red on! :D

It was a good weekend because of so many honors given to our troops and to our vets!

[Majie Purple]

Re:149 Awwww! Thank You Sweet Billie. I truly find joy in finding the specific & special for the specific & special people/themes/sentiments/meanings/occasions etc...

& You do the same all the time so... MEGA DITTOS & HUGS!!