VETERANS DAY

 On November 11 we gathered to remember the sacrifices made by veterans

and to pray for all military personnel.

 

 

 

 

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation,

under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

History of Veterans Day

In 1921, an American soldier &emdash;his name "known but to God"&emdash;was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington,DC. The burial site of this unknown World War I soldier in Arlington National Cemetery symbolized dignity and reverence for America's veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France,where an "unknown soldier " of the Great War was buried in each nation 's highest place of honor. These memorial gestures all took place on November 11,giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities 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 holiday 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,and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. 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. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

I REMEMBER

I remember the battles you fought

I remember every tear you cried.

I remember every fearful tremble

I remember you being brave when you wanted to be scared

I remember every letter you wrote in your mind that you never were able to put on paper.

I remember the inner battles you fought while fighting the outer battles.

My child, My veteran~

I remember because you not only fought for your country - you were fighting for Me.

I remember. . . . you

I love you

  ~God