Saturday, November 11, 2023

Honoring Veterans Day

 

 https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/53232350978_02723f6976_b.jpg   Today is Veterans Day in the USA.  Other parts of the world celebrate it as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day.  This is the 2023 poster, which can be downloaded from the VA.gov site.

Those of us who live in the U.S. celebrate Veterans Day every year on November 11 to honor those who have served in the armed forces and fought to protect our way of life.   Since 2010, I have created a post on this day honoring veterans both living and dead in service to our country. 

The significance of why we celebrate on November 11 is the Allied nations and Germany signed an armistice (a cease-fire agreement) during World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month on November 11, 1918 which officially ended the war.

On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson decided November 11 would be known as Armistice Day in the U.S..  The name was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954 to honor veterans of all wars.  Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.  It is a Federal and State holiday in the U.S..

Clearly, the U.S. is not the only country to celebrate this day in history.  After all, it was the biggest conflict ever fought up to that time.  The United Kingdom (U.K.) has some of the most elaborate celebrations to honor those who have fought for their country.  According to the web site British Legion, from late October up to Armistice Day on November 11, the Royal British Legion distributes 40 million poppies that people wear to commemorate those who have served in the armed forces. The celebrations are split into two days.  The first is Remembrance Day, which takes place on the second Sunday of November each year. It is a day to recognize those who have lost their lives protecting the U.K..  It's basically the U.K. version of our (the U.S.) Memorial Day.  This year Remembrance Day falls on November 12.  The U.K. also celebrates Armistice Day on Nov. 11 with two minutes of silence observed at the 11th hour throughout the country. 

Additionally, Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, as it is called in some places, is observed throughout many Commonwealth nations such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa to name a few.  France also celebrates Armistice Day on November 11, as does Belgium, who host one of the biggest Armistice Day ceremonies.  And of course, most of Europe observes two minutes of silence on November 11. 

Today I am honoring all Veterans, regardless of when or where they served, regardless of country, and regardless of whether they are living or dead.  And please remember, it is Veterans Day, not Veteran's or Veterans' Day.

 

9 thoughtful remarks:

Elephant's Child said...

All praise to the veterans - and their families.

Iris Flavia said...

And, I might´ve mentioned before... in the South of Germany on 11th of November at 11:00 a.m. carnival starts.
One could feel ashamed to be German, again.
I love poppies and when we´re there for it in Perth... poppies all over. 2015 it was 100 years ago that the ANZACs came back from Gallipoli, the Prime Minister was there, everybody wore a poppy.
It sure was an honor to be there.
To those who serve, so sad for them and their families it is needed.
To peace...

Tom said...

...ah, the war to end all wars!

Mae Travels said...

My mother, then a small child, remembered the day the war ended. What a tragedy that wars continue and I don't see how they will ever end.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Jenn Jilks said...

Excellent tribute.

Christine said...

Thanks for explaining it all so well

Valerie-Jael said...

Where would we be without all those brave men and women who served? Hugs, Valerie

My name is Erika. said...

It might be Veterans Day, but it still works writing Veterans Day, since it is a day for them. It's too bad many of them struggle after they gave so much for the country. Have a lovely weekend my friend. hugs-Erika

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

We must never forget the bravery, then and now... Lest we forget.
A fitting tribute Hugs Tracey xx
P.S I received your email x