What is Veterans Day?

Welcome in autumn.  Our country steps up to elections.  Our view of the land flashes from green to fading oranges and yellows.  Where parks and buildings raise flag poles we see our nations pride: the American flag flies!  It is more colorful; hangs more prominent; and displays strength on Veterans Day. 

Each November 11 America looks to the past, the present and is thankful for the future with eyes on our servicemen and women.   This year 11/11/11 illustrates squadrons standing next to each other… the date is like a parade marching across a page; a phalanx of individual ‘ones’ standing side by side and displaying numerical meaning to the date.
November 11 the date for Veterans Day, first decided upon by in European countries in 1918. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.  This day became known as Armistice Day.  A day set aside to celebrate the end of World War I.  The war to end all wars.
Eight years later America brought the name before Congress but it was twelve years after that date before a Congressional act passed to make November 11 a National Holiday.  And then…war broke out again.  The amount of US servicemen that died in battle was staggering; those who survived came home changed.
Let’s hear it for Birmingham, Alabama!  This is a city where change pulses and takes life.  In 1947 the first World War II veteran parade took place in Birmingham to honor all veterans.
Later in 1954, Armistice Day was officially changed to Veterans Day.  President Eisenhower, a distinguished veteran signed the proclamation.

For a brief time Veterans Day was changed from the 11/11 calendar date to the 4th Monday.  One does not mess with vets!  In 1978 Congress returned it to November 11, the traditional date.

The most heart wrenching ceremonies can be heard like a symphony around the world.  Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are interred overseas as well as in veteran cemeteries.  Wreaths are laid in Paris and London.  However on the steps of the Potomac River in Washington DC the chilling steps of the Old Army Guard keep vigilant the safe guarding of our military pride and taps fill the air at Arlington Cemetery.
.US Department of Veteran Affairs “Celebrating America’s Freedoms”                
byDeborahonThursday, October 06, 2011Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestMilitary Life:Deborah,Veterans Day