Veterans Day, originally Armistice Day, initially celebrated the end of the first world war. The fields in Europe where the war was fought were full of wild red poppies and for many years, red poppies were the symbol of World War I.
The fighting ended between the Allies and Germany at 11 AM on 11/11 — November 11, 1918. This is accepted almost universally as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Sadly, this barely interrupted the progression of the rest of the wars we have been fighting — almost continuously — ever since.
The day was originally titled “Armistice Day” since it was the time of the Armistice for World War I — the Great Way. Which is what I still call it.
After the police action in Korea concluded in 1954, “Veterans” was substituted for “Armistice.” The holiday became Veterans Day and honors veterans of all the wars we have ever fought. Which are a lot of wars and a great many veterans.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed amid considerable confusion on October 25, 1971. On September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford returned Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, starting 1978.
The ultimate movie about World War I!
From the Veterans Administration:
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
All honor to all our veterans, of all the wars we have throughout the years and around the world. Let’s hope in future years, we will have fewer battles to fight.
Share this:
Categories: #American-history, celebration, Holidays, Marilyn Armstrong, War and battles
SERENDIPITY - SEEKING INTELLIGENT LIFE ON EARTH 
LikeLiked by 1 person
For me, Veterans Day brought vivid memories of my father. I simply do not celebrate wars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we — especially Americans — should STOP venerating wars. That’s what make men want to fight in them. If you haven’t seen it, “The Americanization of Emily” says it very well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Due to the time differences, it was yesterday for us. It seems to be called Remembrance Day these days but people still know Armistice Day. It’s not a day for big parades and speeches. We do that on ANZAC Day, it’s more quiet reflection, Even when the Grand Prix used to be held in November the one-minute silence was observed at the track. I was at home yesterday so didn’t buy a poppy but I did stop doing the housework while the Ode was read on the radio and observe the silence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tas, over the course of my life, primarily my working years, I met Vets from WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam. My materal Gramps told me lots of stories about his service in the Danish Navy (He was a Barbados native) during WW1. Seemed so long ao and far away.
My Dad served and saw action in Europe (Battle of the Bulge) in WW2. Ditto my Uncle and many others I met over the years.
Later in life, I met Vets who saw action on D-Day. They shared their stories with me. about the Normandy invasion. It was matter-of-fact chatter but you could see the look and remembrance in their eyes, the tears –recalling the horror and images of friends killed.
Many of my work colleagues in the 60’s and 70’s were Korean War Vets. They always felt forgotten in the Vets Day celebrations.
I spent time with Harold Russell (The real life amputee – “Homer” – in “The Best Years of our Lives”). In the early 70’s, Russell was with the Vets’ Administration in Massacusetts. I recall frustrated conversation about Russell’s uphill battle to improve VA conditions — almost 30 years after he’d served. He’d mute his anger but it was clear.
How soon the pols and suits forget those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice. So, I have mixed feelings when I see those people saluting on Veterans’ Day..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can quite understand that.
LikeLike
That’s an amazing picture of the cemetery – is that Arlington or the American cemetery in Normandy? Both are unforgettable places to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember seeing Arlington closeup during my working years and was overwhelmed. I was taping a Veterans’ Day news feature. Naturally, we used the cemetery a lot in my piece.
I felt a bit haunted in the following days.
LikeLike
Being a Brit I have my poppy ready. I won’t forget it in the future. My second grandchild was born at 3.12 this morning.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations!!!!!!!! That’s such wonderful news … and now, I guess, you can’t forget. Not that you really could anyway!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Living in England, it’s a big deal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You guys took the brunt of the second and a huge hit on the first. I can imagine that you don’t easily forget that.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh… I mean when we lived there for three years there was/is an obvious difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ours is now called Remembrance Day, to honour the dead from all wars. I prefer your approach of remembering the dead and the veterans themselves. The main celebrations in the UK take place on the closest Sunday, and then more local ones on the 11th itself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only…….what toll is war….
Leslie
LikeLiked by 2 people
All too and no gain. I think gain by warfare ended with rocks to get the intruders out of your cave. The rest? Just slaughter.
LikeLiked by 2 people
slaughter indeed…
LikeLike
I think all who feel war is the answer, including those devotees of John Wayne war flicks (Yes, I wuz one!) , the cocktail warriors , the flag wavers and the wannabees — should just have a REAL taste of the battlefield — up close and personal. I think your “gung ho” fervor will drop off.
LikeLike
Thank you sincerely for posting a reminder. I knew ‘the day’ was close, but wasn’t sure. This is my father’s birthday too. A day meant for reflection and remembering those who passed on. Pop never got to serve (he would have been eligible for Korea) and expressed a life-long regret that he could not. He thought it was the greatest service a person could give to their country. I’ll remember hubby today too (Vietnam). Thank you Marilyn. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome. Forgetting is how we wind up doing everything again. Let’s hope the madness stops one of these years.
LikeLiked by 1 person