Happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who spent (or continue to spend) time serving their country. There may be more nobler ways to serve your nation (and the human race) than risking your life in its defense, but there aren't many.
Some folks might be unaware that Veterans Day was originally Armistice Day in the United States (until 1954), and is still observed as such in many (mostly European) countries. Armistice Day marks the anniversary of the cessation of hostilities with Germany following World War I (the Great War). The armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 and, it was hoped that this would prove to be "the war to end all wars." It was a Congressional Act, approved in May of 1938 that led to Armistice Day becoming an official, legal holiday, making November 11th:
"A day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day."
A little sad that World War II would begin in Europe less than 16 months later.
Anyway, happy Veterans Day to all those Veterans out there. I hope you'll joining me in dedicating the day (heck, the month) to the cause of world peace, even as we celebrate your service to our great nation.
Amen. Yesterday was also a significant day for something else close to your heart:
ReplyDeletehttps://medium.com/@brianscottmackenzie/bow-down-to-washington-9f2e9b5f7c3c
@ Brian:
DeleteUgh. Now THAT's one I should have know.
I did know that Washington (like Seattle) shares my astrological sign. It explains a lot about our mutual weirdness.
; )
It's funny. In Arizona and New Mexico, the state birthdays are well-known: they both happen to fall on St. Valentine's Day. I don't remember ever learning what Washington's birthday was in school or anywhere else.
Delete