It was on November 11, at11:00, the eleventh month, the eleventh day, and the eleventh hour when hostilities ended the First World War. Originally, this day was known as Armistice Day. In the British Commonwealth, this day was known as Rememberance Day, and later this was changed to Veterans Day in America.
It seems that in the United States almost every holiday, such as, Independence Day, Memorial Day is used to commemorate those service members, both living and those who died in the various conflicts in which America fought.
Memorial Day, known as Decoration Day in the South after the War Between The States, was observed by the decorating of graves of both the Union and Confederate soldiers.
Armistice Day was changed in 1954 to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars and conflicts in which our military was involved. On Veterans Day, our military personnel are treated to discounted or free meals at various restaurants and are provided other services.
So, especially on this day, we want to thank our members of the military who fought to preserrve the American way of life, defending the Constitution and the God-given rights stated in the Bill Of Rights. The values we hold dear as Americans are worth defending and fighting to maintain.
For this reason, I feel it appropriate to include the fourth stanza of our national anthem as a tribute to all our veterans whether serving in times of peace or war.
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation,
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust;”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.