What we now observe as Veterans Day began as Armistice Day

From left, a French soldier, and two British soldiers sandwiched around an American Red Cross worker make up this merry quartet in Paris on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. (internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, November 11, 1919. Beginning in 1938 Veterans Day became a National holiday. This was the anniversary of World War I.

There is much more to think about when we consider the why, when and whats of Veterans Day. Most of us don’t really give it much thought but in all actuality there is much to consider and reflect on when we consider the reason we have a day off from work or school. Sure, it’s a time to sit back, relax and basically have a good time. However, some of us actually realize there is a cost and reason for this apparent segue of violent events. We go from one conflict to another without realizing it.

If we travel back in time we can recall many nefarious events that happened to bring about an extremely nefarious result, war and death. That which began as a time to despair and cry becomes a legal day of reflection. However, do we in fact do that? I would say “No”. The day of reflection almost always leads us to a graveyard. I guess the old adage; “old soldiers never die they just fade away,” becomes true for many of us. The word “remember” and “holiday” have become as synonyms to each other in this case. Remembering becomes a holiday. I find this to be very sad. We need to instill in our children why we do what we do and how to receive historical information. There is nothing romantic that creates a war or warriors. However, the end result of all of this is the creation of a veteran. That would be the one who made it home.

Let me give you a few statistics of what I am talking about. The American Revolutionary War began in April 1775 and ended on September 3, 1783. The number of soldiers killed during that time were 6,800. The Civil War began in 1861 and ended in 1865. The number of soldiers killed were 618,222. World War I had approximately 116,000 American deaths (1917-1918); World War II had approximately 291,557 deaths (1941-1945); Korea had 40,000 deaths (1950-1953); and 58,220 in Vietnam (1964-1975).

Wars in the Middle East have claimed more than 10,000 and still counting. This is only one poll and the facts state you can more than double this number when you add in non-combatants. Also wounded far out weigh the deaths. This is basically what it’s all about. I didn’t even include the smaller wars or acts of terrorism. In any case this is just my overview of what it takes to make a veteran; military service and survival.

We see on TV all the time veterans who have lost limbs or have been burned beyond recognition. We see some of those who suffer from PTSD, but, in my opinion, not enough is understood. Veterans have to live their experience for the remainder of their lives. Recently, we have started thanking veterans for their service. I think that is a wonderful thing to do as it shows recognition and even if only briefly shows the veteran someone has his or her back; someone cares.

When I write these things I don’t do it to make others feel bad. I do it so people will stop for a moment and think about the old adage, “Freedom is not free.” That expression is so very true. The world is not in a good place this Veterans Day but we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. The new peace accords in the Middle East have given some of us a slight feeling of calm. We have problems in other parts of the world. If we can just keep the scales tipped in the favor of peace we might someday take the word Veterans Day off the calendar.

Have a great and safe Veterans Day. Remember those great men and women who have given their all so you could keep some. Just remember many thousands of veterans who gave many of their dreams and aspirations so that you could fulfill yours. God be with you and yours and God Bless this great country of ours.