There are parades and speeches and a recognition to those who have served and are serving. But to me it's not enough to honor what these men and women do for our country. It seems we only seem to remember them on days like these. That's just not enough.
To understand the day a little better here's a little of the history of the day:
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting the President issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday; "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."
In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas shoe store owner named Al King had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. King had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day. The Emporia Chamber of Commerce took up the cause after determining that 90% of Emporia merchants as well as the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11, 1953, to honor veterans. With the help of then-U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.
Finally on this Veterans Day a salute to those men in uniform who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Those We've Lost. Heroes all.
Pfc. Zachary T. Myers
Lost September 8, 2009 in Iraq
Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury
Lost September 12, 2009 in Iraq
Spec. Demetrius L. Void
Lost September 15, 2009 in Afghanistan
Sgt. 1st Class Bradley S. Bohle
Lost September 16, 2009 in Afghanistan
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