On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the First World War-- perhaps the single ugliest, most brutal war of the modern era for those who fought it-- was ended. For years following, that day was remembered as Armistice Day. The day the horrors of war were over, if only for a decade.
Forty-five years later, a shoe store owner from Emporia, Kansas by the name of Alfred King, whose son fought in the Second World War, decided that it wasn't enough, and he and his local Chamber of Commerce took up the cause of devoting the day to honoring all who had served in the United States Military. With the help of their representative in the US House, Ed Rees, a resolution was passed by Congress and signed by President Dwight Eisenhower declaring that November the 11th be known as Veterans Day.
Those who serve deserve more than our nominal support, which Aaron Sorkin has articulated quite well today here. I suggest that you read it, because it's important.
As a country, we haven't earned the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform.
We ought to start trying harder to do so.
To anyone who has served our country honorably in peace or in war, you have my thanks.
veterans day is always a hard post
ReplyDeleteSorkin's post was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to say something that's not soppy, maudlin or angry