Today is Veterans Day.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Today we turn our hearts not only to those who have fallen in battle, but to all living and dead Veterans. These brave men and women who stepped forward to serve their country and fellow man. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.
Our older Veterans would remember this day as Armistice Day. At the end of World War 1 “The war to end all wars” , an “unknown soldier” was buried in highest place of honor in both England and France ( (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on November 11th, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day became known internationally as “Armistice Day”.
In 1921 the United States followed suit by laying to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier — his name “known but to God” — on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” and today is called the “Tomb of the Unknowns.” Located in Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran. In 1926 “Armistice Day” was officially recognised by an act of congress, but it took another 12 years and another act to set Armistice Day as a National Holiday.
Armistice Day would have remained except World War II came to be. More than 400,000 American service members laid down their life in that hellacious war!
The price of freedom is still being paid today!
In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.
Veterans Day is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is always held on Veterans Day itself, even if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Remember today at the 11th hour to turn your reflections to our Veterans.
