What does Veterans Day mean to you?
What will you be doing November (the 11th month) the 11th day, at 11 am? Stay tuned to see why this time is important for all of us.
Last week we met with a small group of friends to remember, and honor, a mutual friend who passed away this year. Over the years, in different ways, she had been a part of each of our lives. We shared stories about her, what she meant to us and how she touched our lives. Maybe you have also lost someone and gathered with others to remember and honor that person. Each life has a legacy.
Why we asked what you will be doing on November 11th at 11 am is because it’s Veterans Day. You may be doing something on Veterans Day like what we did when we met about our dear friend. We stopped our busy lives for a time to remember and honor her. The significance of 11/11 at 11 am, is that it’s a time when millions of people will stop the busyness of life and take a few moments of silence to remember and honor all the service people, past and present, from all the branches of the military. We hope you’ll join in.
It’s easy to take the freedom we have for granted. With the lockdowns and distancing of the past couple of years, we didn’t take it for granted that we could meet in a restaurant with friends. We were grateful and it was a privilege. And look at what all the military service people have done in risking their lives and sacrificing for us and our country, so we can have the freedom to enjoy life. As Claudia Pemberton said, “America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.”
We’ll share a bit about Veterans Day and how it got started. One thing we learned is that many people confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Here’s the distinction. Memorial Day is celebrated to honor the people who served in the military and are deceased. Veterans Day, on the other hand, is to celebrate all those who did serve and are presently serving today.
History shows that WWI ended in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month, when a truce, or peace deal, was signed by allied nations. Originally, Veterans Day was called Armistice Day and it first occurred on November 11, 1919, the one-year anniversary of the end of WWI.
In 1921, a soldier of unknown identity was buried at Arlington cemetery, on Armistice Day. This is known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. An inscription on the tomb reads, “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Each year, on Armistice Day, now Veterans Day, the president of the United States, or some other high-level dignitary, lays a wreath and pays respects. There’s always a guard on vigil 24 hours a day, no matter the weather. These words are fitting, “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.” – Author Unknown
Also, Raymond Weeks, a veteran from Alabama, wanted to expand Armistice Day to include all veterans who served in the military, not only those who served in WWI. In 1938 Armistice Day was made an official national holiday. Then in 1954, President Eisenhower had Armistice Day changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans. Raymond Weeks, with help from others, was instrumental in achieving the changes he first proposed.
Dr. David Dyson, historian, and author of Patriotism in Action, provides information on the progression of Veterans Day. He also tells that “Years ago, Alabama mandated that 25 character traits be taught each year for an average of ten minutes a day and to include the pledge of allegiance.” They wanted students to learn patriotism, courage, perseverance, citizenship, and loyalty. How wonderful it would be if these traits were emphasized in students’ curriculum today. We might have a more respectful, and peaceful nation.
What about you? Have you been remembering and honoring people, past and present who are dear to you? We hope that this Veterans Day will be even more meaningful to you as you remember those in the military, share stories and pictures, lay wreaths, and thank those service people you run across.
Thank you, veterans, and your families! We’ll not only think of you on 11/11 at 11 am, in that moment of silence, but each day, as we enjoy the fruits of your service that help keep us safe and free.
Chanhassen MN residents, Doug and Lynn Nodland are success coaches and owners of The Balance Center in Excelsior. Contact them at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com
© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2022 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.
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