“To care for him who shall have born the battle.”
–Abraham Lincoln (also the VA motto)
“I call upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.”
–Dwight Eisenhower
We Salute you
By Cynthia Coons
Veterans Day is on Saturday, the 11th of November and designated as a Federal Holiday on Friday, Nov. 10. Do we recall how this holiday came to be? I am guilty of not really knowing the historical reason behind Veterans Day, it has always been a day that I show my appreciation to our Vets, but my full understanding of what this day stands for really fell short. So, I did some research, and I am proud to share what I found.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed, “Armistice Day” in November 1919. Armistice is when warring parties agree to stop fighting and “Armistice Day” recognizes the end of World War 1 when hostilities ceased at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918 on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.
To commemorate the ending of the “Great War” an unknown soldier was buried in the highest place of honor in both England and France (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on “Armistice Day.” In 1921, the United States followed France and England by laying to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier- his name “known but to God”- on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington, D.C. and the Potomac River. This site became known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” and today is called the “Tomb of the Unknowns.” The Tomb symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran.
On May 13, 1938 Armistice Day was declared a legal holiday each year. A day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace. Originally Armistice Day only honored veterans of World War I.
On Nov. 11, 1947 Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized a “National Veterans Day” parade in Birmingham, Alabama to recognize veterans of all wars. This celebration led to Congress changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954, to recognize veterans of all U.S. wars. President Eisenhower called upon Americans everywhere to re-dedicate themselves to the cause of peace.
The National Veterans Day ceremony takes place in Arlington, Virginia commencing precisely at 11 a.m. with a wreath placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The ceremony continues inside the memorial with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. America’s Parade takes place rain or shine in New York City at approximately 11:15 a.m. at the conclusion of the opening ceremony in Arlington.
Locally, the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board has chosen to recognize 17 U.S. military veterans and current residents of Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their sacrifice and service to our Country at a Veterans Day program at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Family members have been invited to attend. Honorees represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Army Air Corps.
This information is a reminder of what this day stands for. We honor the service, sacrifice and Love of Country that our military, law enforcement and first responders have given us. We show respect and appreciation to these brave men and women. We stand united as a country to recognize those who are responsible for our freedom, and to thank our veterans for allowing us to continue living as one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Cynthia and her husband Bryan Coons live in Egg Harbor Township. She is a member of the Patriot Riders of America.
