Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day. I thought I would add some information on the history of Veteran's Day. May we hold our banners high in hopes that our troops are remembered and we hold our pride as Citizens of the United States of America.
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

President Eisenhower’s letter to Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, designating him Chairman, Veterans Day National Committee
THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE
October 8, 1954
Dear Mr. Higley:
I have today signed a proclamation calling upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 as Veterans Day. It is my earnest hope that all veterans, their organizations, and the entire citizenry will join hands to insure proper and widespread observance of this day. With the thought that it will be most helpful to coordinate the planning, I am suggesting the formation of a Veterans Day National Committee. In view of your great personal interest as well as your official responsibilities, I have designated you to serve as Chairman. You may include in the Committee membership such other persons as you desire to select and I am requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch to assist the Committee in its work in every way possible.
I have every confidence that our Nation will respond wholeheartedly in the appropriate observance of Veterans Day, 1954.
Sincerely,
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

I love history, and finding out the reasons for holidays. I found it interesting and hope you did too. As a tradition, my mom always took us to Mesa's Parades. I have always liked to take my children as well, however...

My own Veteran's Day Baby was born. Now as a tradition, we go to Mesa's Veteran's Day Parade for Ayla's Birthday, it's her parade, her special day to always have off and remember the veterans who fought on her "birth"-day. I also understand why the parade starts at 11am, instead of usual parades starting earlier.

My kids are hurrying me up so we can get ready for the parade. Enjoy your day and have yourself a moment of silence, if not celebrating at a parade, or visiting the cemetery.

Ciao for now,

Arnnette