World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when the Allied nations and Germany signed an armistice treaty. That was the beginning of Veterans Day. In 1919 President Wilson proclaimed:
“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…”
November 11th was known as Armistice Day back then. It wasn’t until 1954 that the name was officially changed to honor veterans of all wars. Dwight Eisenhower issued this proclaimation:
“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”
The United States of America has five branches of the military:
The Army
The Air Force
The Navy
the Marines
And one branch that is under Homeland Security, rather than the Department of Defense…The Coast guard.
Within each of the four branches that fall under the DoD are guard and reserve units.
That is an incredible amount of people who have risked their lives, given their lives, been injured physically and mentally for the benefit of our country. That is an awesome sacrifice. That is a debt that we cannot ever fully repay.
But thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for insuring my freedoms. Thank you for your service.