This week's assigned blog is brought to you by: The origination of Veteran's Day.
Veteran's Day is a day set aside to honor all the veteran's of the war, living and dead. It is often confused as with Memorial Day, which only honors those who lost their lives in war. Veteran's Day initially started internationally on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11 a.m. on November 11, of 1918). A soldier of anonymity was buried at the highest place of honor in both England and France. This became known worldwide as "Armistice Day."
The US copied England and France's practice, burying a soldier 'known but to God' on a Virginia hillside looking down upon Washington D.C. This site would be known as the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.' It was later renamed the 'Tomb of the Unknowns' and is now located in the Arlington National Cemetary. The tomb signifies the pride and respect that America displays towards its war heroes.
This is a picture of a soldier honoring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
November 11th was officially known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress. Twelve years later, in 1938, another act was passed, declaring Armistice Day a national holiday. However, it was forced to change its name after World War II broke out in Europe (Armistice Day was recognizing WWI as the 'war to end all wars.' Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, organized the first Veteran's Day parade on November 11th of 1947 to honor those who risked their lives in battle. Soon after, Edward H. Rees, a Congressman from Kansas, introduced the idea to changed the title of 'Armistice Day' to 'Veteran's Day' to honor soldiers who fought in ALL wars, not just World War 1.
President Eisenhower did just that in 1954, signing a bill declaring November 11th as Veteran's Day. He issued a Presidential Order to direct the head of the Veteran's Administration, which started a commitee to oversee the national ceremonies. Congress attempted to change the date to the fourth Monday in October, however they changed it after realizing that November 11th had strong historical significance to Americans.
This is a cartoon illustrating the respect Veterans have for other Veterans.
Honestly, I think it's great that we have Veteran's Day. These soldiers risked their lives for our freedom and safety, and I believe they deserve to be properly honored as such.
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/veteransday.htm
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