Veterans Day

Originally called Armistice Day, this holiday commemorates the cessation of hostilities by warring countries in World War I.  Even though the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending the war, wasn't signed until June 28, 1919, most people recognize the date of peace at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.  The Uniform Holiday Act, set forth by Congress, attempted to move the holiday to a Monday, but this caused an uproar and confusion among the citizenry.  President Gerald Ford returned the holiday to November 11th once again, the appropriate day of remembrance.  Other countries around the world also honor our veterans with their special day.  Canada calls it Remembrance Day, while Great Britain recognizes Remembrance Sunday.  Both my father and maternal grandfather served in the military: one in Korea, and the other in World War II.  They both live eternally in my memory, but today is their special day.  I honor them by appreciating and enjoying the gifts of freedom their service to this country affords me.  If poppies are sold in your local area, purchase one as a token of what this day means.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS PEOM
The World's Most Famous WAR MEMORIAL POEM
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

IN Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

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