“In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.
“Similar ceremonies occurred in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on Nov. 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as ‘Armistice Day.’
“Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “The War to End All Wars,” Nov. 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Over 16 million Americans took part and 407,000 of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.
“Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of World War II and Korea, Congress was requested to make the day an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
“On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1973, a law passed providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but none was found for several years. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from that conflict was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
“A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that Nov. 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978, Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.” (Veterans of Foreign Wars, Citizen Education, “Origins of Veterans Day”)
For each and every brave man and woman from across our great country, who has sworn with slight variation the following oath of service, please know that countless numbers of Americans (this writer included) thank you from the bottom of our hearts, whether you saw battle or not:
I, (full name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office in which I am about to enter. So help me God.
It is this writer’s prayer that your families and generations present and future will understand with pride the depth of service you have paid to America.
To those today who are fighting threats to our way of life, America knows you are there and we support you.
To all who served in Vietnam, a sincere acknowledgement – for of all those who fought and died, you have been judged most unfairly.
And to all past and current, know this one thing: Those who would willingly disrespect you and your service – some in the vilest of ways – do so under a “Flag of Freedom,” thanks to you.
