We must stop to honor vets Wednesday

Saturday, Nov 07, 2009 - 11:59:49 am CST

Wednesday — November 11 — marks the annual celebration of Veterans Day, which dates to 1918 and the end of World War I.

The observance was first known as Armistice Day because it marked the end of hostilities at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The Army’s military history Web site notes that President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day thusly:

“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?â€

The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two minute period beginning at 11 a.m., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.

In 1938, Congress passed legislation making November 11 a legal Federal holiday to be known as Armistice Day. Following World War II and the Korean War, millions more veterans were added to the rolls of those honored by Armistice Day.

In 1968 Congress voted to move what by then was known as Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October, effective in 1971.

Veterans and their supporters, fearing the day would become just another three-day weekend for bureaucrats, rebelled against the change, and in 1975 the Monday observance was rejected and the November 11th date reinstated.

This Wednesday, we will once again honor veterans of all wars.

In Columbus, the Veterans Day program will be at 9:30 a.m., in the Nantkes Performing Arts Center at Columbus High School.

Kent Phillips will serve as master of ceremonies for the annual event, which will feature the American Legion Honor Guard, the American Legion Chorus, the New World Singers and the Columbus High School Band under the direction of Fred Ritter and Jeff Peabody, and keynote speaker Carroll Mohlman, county vice commander of the American Legion. Similar programs are being held throughout the region.

We should all try to attend one of these events to honor those who have kept us free.

If you can’t attend, you should pause at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and give thanks to the men and women of the military past, present and future.

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olgrunt
Nov 9, 2009 8:14 AM
10 November-- Marine Corps birthday--HAPPY Birthday and SEMPER FI
Veterans Wife
Nov 9, 2009 7:27 PM
A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our veterans,thanks to all of you we live in a free country,there were many that gave the ultimate sacrifice for us-so on this Veteran's day just take the time to recognize a Vet and tell them THANKS,you would be surprised at how much they appreciate that one little word. GOD BLESS AMERICA
jeff
Nov 10, 2009 3:47 PM
We should indeed celebrate Veterans Day Wednesday and give all veterans a pat on the back. Our government will then pretend to celebrate Veterans Day Wednesday by kissing all of our butts and then sending another 40,000 of us to Afghanistan to get us killed or maimed. We, as veterans, should march in Washington and make all of the sons and daughters of all the politicians and wall street bankers join the military and be sent into harms way. After this coming Veterans Day, we should stop celebrating veterans in any way shape or form. Nothing against veterans, but we should stop promoting the absolute chaos caused by our government. Afterall, how many veterans even get the day off? Most people who actually get the day off are banks and the federal government. Most of us veterans are slaving away trying to make ends meet. Thanks for the day, but no thanks. It is an ungenuine show of display by our government and by YOU.
olgrunt
Nov 11, 2009 10:50 AM
Jeff-- Your hate and anger has you way off base. Are you a combat veteran? Forget the government on this day and honor those that have sacrificed for the principles and people of this great nation .
Veteran
Nov 11, 2009 2:47 PM
I agree with olgrunt. Jeff if you were a combat vet you would not be saying forget this day and just don't celebrate it next year. This day is to honor all those who have come before us and will come after who wear the uniform and especially those that make the ultimate sacrifice. It's not a day to think of why we are at war but to honor sacrifices we vets have endured. Simply show some respect and keep your negativity to yourself.
Chicago Mike
Nov 12, 2009 1:20 PM
I don't agree with most of what Jeff has to say, but he does bring up one valid complaint. It has always bothered me that government workers and many others who never served get the day off, and millions of veterans trudge off to work like any other day. If it were up to me I'd give the vets the day off with pay, and make the bureaucrats go to work. That would truly honor those who served. Thanks to all you veterans and those currently in the service, you are the real heroes.
Vets Son
Nov 12, 2009 2:05 PM
My father was in the Navy during WWII stationed on the USS Muston, they helped to rescue sailers from the USS Hornet. Thank You All Vets! The freedoms and liberties I enjoy every day is due to your fighting spirit and sacrifices that ALL of you women and men have made. Thank-You
Mike
Nov 12, 2009 5:38 PM
JEFF you signed that paper and I am betting you did it on your own free will suck it up and drive on and yes I was a combat vet in OIF 2004-2005 2005-2006 "Life is hard its even harder when you're STOOPED" by a person unknown
WWCND
Nov 12, 2009 9:43 PM
I also agree with Olgrunt. Jeff, Veteran's Day is in remembrance of those who have served our country, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It's a day for veterans and non-veterans to remember and say "Thank you"...don't politicize it.
OIF '04-'05.