A salute for veterans
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent in Europe.
The year was 1918. The armistice brought an end to World War I, known as the war to end all wars.
If only that were true.
In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 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.”
Armistice Day became official in 1938, when Congress passed a law naming the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday — a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace.
Despite our idealistic hopes, time and again Americans have been called to protect our freedoms and free the world of despots. After World War II and Korea, Congress in 1954 amended Armistice Day to honor all who served in our military, renaming the holiday Veterans Day.
Unlike Memorial Day, which commemorates those who gave their life in service to their country, Veterans Day celebrate the heroes among us.
While we often think of today's veterans as the last guys standing from World War II, the reality is the men and women we honor today span not only all age groups but all walks of life.
Some served in combat, whether it be Vietnam, Kuwait, Afghanistan or Iraq. Some manned the border between the two Koreas or along the wall in West Berlin.
Others never left the states but stood ready to answer the call if needed. They may have served in times of peace, and used the service to pay for their college education.
Some had no choice when the United States employed a draft to staff our preparedness efforts. But so many of them made a choice to join one of the branches of service.
But those who choose to tour in the military, for whatever reason and in whatever decade, have honored America by that service and sacrifice.
They have trained, prepared and fought to defend the principles on which our country was founded, and they have allowed others in countries around the world to enjoy some of the same freedoms we often take for granted.
We honor these men and women today.
And, we salute you.
The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star’s editorial board, composed of General Manager and Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock, Engagement and Community Content Editor Hope Young, Watchdog and Storytelling Coach Mark Henderson and Business and Politics Reporter Greg Hilburn.