The Nov. 11 date was originally called Armistice Day when fighting between the Germans and the Allies ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
The Treaty of Versailles was officially signed about seven months later — June 28, 1919 — and brought to close World War I, “the war to end all wars.”
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“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,” Wilson proclaimed.
Nov. 11 became an official holiday in 1926 and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans, living and dead.
In 1968, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, legislation 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. In 1978, Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
There is no greater sacrifice anyone can make for his or her country than putting his or her life on the line. Although days like today are set aside to pay particular tribute to our veterans, the freedoms we enjoy every hour of ever day have been hard-earned on many fields of honor.
Just last week, our country voted in a historic presidential election. Unlike other world nations that proclaim to hold “democratic” elections under the heavy thumb of tyranny, we can freely and peacefully express political differences and dissent without fear of retribution or harm for that expression.
We honor all veterans — past, present and future — who give of themselves for all. Many have paid the ultimate price for their service. We haven’t forgotten their sacrifices and salute all who give for their country.
We hope you will join us in remembering and thanking all the veterans who served the nation in times of peace and war.
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Mark the day
• Honor Valley veterans at a ceremony at the Veterans Wall at the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Wasilla near Mat-Su Regional Hospital. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Events include an invocation, presentation of the colors, several speakers and proclamations. Following there will open houses at the Wasilla American Legion and the Wasilla Amvets posts. A free lunch for veterans will be proviced by Palmer Legion Post and Palmer Rotarians.
• A display depicting how the American Flag has changed over the decades from the 1700s to the present will be shown at Mat-Su College today. The display, on loan from the Army National Guard, will hang through Thursday in the Upstairs Gallery, Room 200, in the Fred & Sara Machetanz Building. There will be a special opening at 11:45 a.m. today following the Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Wall in Wasilla, and all veterans’ friends and family are invited to stop by. The college is at Mile 2 of Trunk Road.
Comments
8 comment(s)Oops wrote on Nov 13, 2008 3:54 PM:
I bet Obama's closer to God then you with your hate and lies. Palin now she's a true whack job, she didn't even recognize Alaskan Vets in any form or fashion. Let's pray her son stays safe in Iraq cuz momma just used that during her campaign, speeches now it's back to all about Sarah. She's evil "
AK Voter wrote on Nov 13, 2008 3:46 PM:
Ben wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:27 PM:
Tim from lower 48 wrote on Nov 11, 2008 8:31 PM:
Amazed wrote on Nov 11, 2008 1:40 PM:
Valley Resident wrote on Nov 11, 2008 12:40 PM:
Amazed wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:04 AM:
Rose wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:33 AM:
It is too bad that the immature radicals are publicized so much that you may not know how much loyal Americans think of you and your sacrifices. I can't thank you personally, but I thank God for you. "