"At the end of World War I, the war to end all wars, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the world paused to celebrate the dawn of peace. It was a brief peace, to be sure, but at the time, it seemed full of hope. The day was "Armistice Day", but later became "Veterans' Day", in recognition of the sacrifices made by the serving members of the Armed Forces. Congress ultimately dedicated the day in that spirit, in 1938, twenty years after the end of the First War, and under the shadow of the beginning of the Second World War.
Today we celebrate the sacrifices of our service members in many wars, and in keeping the peace in between. The day has never been more important, more vivid, more necessary than today. We are engaged now in wars which have lasted longer than any prior war, fought by veterans who have deployed further, and longer than any of their ancestors. We have failed our veterans returning from previous wars, from Korea, the forgotten war, to Viet Nam, the unpopular war, and we are determined not to repeat that shameful past. Politics aside, our veterans go where they are ordered, do what they must, and deserve our most heartfelt thanks. The stress they undergo to leave family, friends, career and country, to fight for us, is beyond civilian capacity to comprehend. The debt we owe them is beyond reckoning. Join us in honoring them, for doing what few would do, what must be done, by the best of us. We are forever in their debt, and a day of honor does not even come close to repayment."
Amazing words from the Quilts of Valor Foundation! Check out their
website to read about the amazing things they do for our veterans!
