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VETERAN’S DAY...
IN APPRECIATION
Kathryn Rosypal, Exec.
Editor
On November 11th, we
celebrate Veteran’s Day - a time to remember all the brave men and women who
served the U.S.A. so that all Americans may have freedom. Of course,
Veterans Day is also a time to pray for the repose of the souls of veterans
of all wars - especially those who rest in unmarked graves. Let us remember
the price they paid for our freedom and give veterans the respect they
deserve.
HISTORY OF VETERAN'S DAY
1918 - November 11th
which is observed throughout the US as Veterans Day, was first known as
"Armistice Day." At the 11th hour on the 11th day of November, 1918, after
four years of conflict, World War I ended. The Germans and the Allies signed
the Armistice - a temporary cessation of hostilities - until the final peace
treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919. That day began with
the laying down of arms, blowing of whistles, impromptu parades, and the
closing of places of business. There were many joyful demonstrations, as all
of Europe and the United States rejoiced.
1919 - In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first
Armistice Day, saying: To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day
will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the
country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the
thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given
America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the
nation.…" The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of
business for a 2-minute period beginning at 11 a.m. with the day also marked
by parades etc.
1920 - On the 2nd
anniversary of the armistice, France and England held ceremonies honoring
their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church
groups, President Wilson named the Sunday nearest Armistice Day as Armistice
Day Sunday, on which services were to be held in the interest of
international peace.
1921 - Congress passed legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11th was chosen
for the date of the ceremony. Congress declared November 11, 1921 a legal
federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the World War I.
1927 - Congress
adopted a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a
proclamation calling upon officials to display the American flag on all
government buildings on November 11, and inviting the people to observe
Armistice Day in schools and churches. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most
states established November 11, Armistice Day, as a legal holiday.
1938 - Congress
passed a bill that each November 11 "shall be dedicated to the cause of
world peace and ...hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day." For 16
years the U.S. observed Armistice Day, with impressive ceremonies at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In many communities, the American Legion was in
charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services. At
11 a.m. all traffic stopped, in tribute to the dead, volleys were fired and
taps was sounded.
1953 - After World
War II, there were many new veterans who had no association with World War
I. Leaders of Veterans' groups tried to make November 11th a time to honor
all veterans who had fought in various American wars, not just in WWI. In
Emporia, KS, on November 11, 1953, instead of an Armistice Day program, a
Veterans' Day observance was held. Cong. Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so
impressed that he introduced a bill into the House to change the holiday to
Veterans' Day. The Bill passed and Cong. Rees wrote to all state governors
asking for their cooperation in observing the changed holiday.
1954 - The name was changed to Veterans' Day by Act of Congress on May 24,
1954. On June 1, President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name
of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to “Veteran's Day.” In October, he
asked all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all
veterans and to dedicate themselves to promoting an enduring peace.
1968 - Congress
passed the Monday Holiday Law which established the 4th Monday in October as
the new date for the observance of Veteran's Day, to take effect in 1971.
1971-75 - The Federal observance of Veterans Day was held on the 4th Monday
of October. Initially all states followed suit except two.
1975 - Legislation
passed to return the federal observance of Veteran's Day to November 11,
based upon popular support throughout the nation. Over the 4 years since the
change to the 4th Monday in October, 46 states commemorated November 11th as
well or had reverted back to the original date based upon popular sentiment.
This change was to take effect in 1978.
1978 - Since 1978,
Veteran's Day has been officially observed in the United States on November
11th.
CURRENT VETERAN
STATISTICS - As of 2005, there are 24.9 million military veterans in the
United States; 1.7 million are women; 9.7 million are veterans age 65 or
over; 8.2 million are Vietnam-era veterans. Vietnam veterans account for
more than 3 out of 10 veterans, the largest group of service. The next
largest group of wartime veterans, 4.4 million or nearly 2 out of 10, served
during WWII. Female Veterans make up 16% of Persian Gulf War veterans, 5% of
World War II vets, 3% of Vietnam vets and 2% of Korean War vets. 381,000
veterans served during both the Vietnam era and the Desert Storm era (1990
or later).
Six states with 1 million
or more veterans are: California (2.3 million), Florida (1.8 million), Texas
(1.7 million), New York (1.2 million), Pennsylvania (1.2 million) and Ohio
(1.1 million). $20.8 billion was received annually by 2.5 million veterans
who receive compensation for service-connected disabilities. $56.9 billion
was spent by the federal government for veterans’ benefits in 2003.
Who are these patriots?
They’re your grandparents, parents, teachers, civic leaders, friends,
co-workers, neighbors and community volunteers.
On this Veteran’s Day 2006,
make it a point to go up to one of them, shake their hand and say “thank
you” one-on-one; or send a note of thanks to a veteran whom you know. If you
don’t know any vets, send a letter of gratitude to the veterans who belong
to your local American Legion Post. They will appreciate it, and they most
certainly deserve our praise and honor! |
