Names for a Day
As daylight hours turn ever shorter, and temperatures grow cool, military veterans across the globe prepare for a historic date. For over 100 years, this historical day is recognized for military service and sacrifice. In the United States, November 11 is commemorated as Veterans Day. Canada, the United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth Nations refer to the 11th of November as Remembrance Day. France and Belgium have designated November 11th as Armistice Day. Many educational organizations, news outlets and historians have labeled November 11, 1918, as “The Day the Guns Fell Silent”. No matter what the name, to the war weary nations and soldiers serving during The Great War, that cool November morning in 1918, will forever mark the end of World War I.
It is important to remember that November 11, 1918, was not the actual end of World War 1. The November armistice between Germany and the allied powers simply marked a cessation of hostilities. True, the killing had stopped, but lasting peace had not yet returned to western Europe. Officially, peace would not be achieved until the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on 28 June 1919. What did occur on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918, was the return of hope. The guns had fallen silent. The killing had ended. On that cool fall European morning, soldiers serving on both sides of No Man’s Land could realistically have hope of surviving their military service. For their loved ones back home, the armistice of November renewed hope that their servicemen may soon return home.
Veterans Day, in its way, is a reminder and celebration of hope. While serving in the American armed forces, many uniformed men and women are stationed far from home. Family, friends and loved ones are left behind hope for their safe return. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines hope for peace even as they train for conflict. It is no contradiction to state that the hope for a nation safe from foreign threats rests on the shoulders of America’s uniformed fighting force. On Veteran’s Day we recognize, remember and thank our citizen soldiers who voluntarily set aside a significant portion of their lives so that we may live in freedom and safety. This sacrifice is made with the understanding that the debt our nation owes these brave individuals can never be repaid. Because of this unspoken truth, a simple “thank you for your service” and a single day of recognition will have to do.
Today, we recognize Veterans Day as an opportunity to thank all American Veterans who have chosen service before self. We also thank the men and women who are currently wearing our nation’s uniform. After all, today’s service men and women are tomorrow’s Veterans. Their military service is just as important and honorable as those Veterans of our distant past. When the opportunity arises, please thank a Veteran or currently serving member of our nation’s military. Let them know that their sacrifice is recognized and appreciated. This simple act of kindness and recognition can make all the difference in a Veteran’s life.
From the Albert J Hamilton Post 7 American Legion Family, our hope for you is a peaceful Veterans Day. To our Neighbors to the north, and allies around the world, have a peaceful Remembrance Day. To those current and former servicemen and women, thank you for your service and have a peaceful Veterans Day.
Robert W Meyers
Albert J Hamilton Post 7 Historian
October 25, 2024
