Veterans' Day 2016

Today is Veteran’s Day, the 98^th such celebration in various names on this day since the end of World War I, the war known as The Great War. It was supposed to be the “the war to end all wars.” But as we all know, it sadly was not.

There is not much more I can say, except that my Dad, several uncles, a couple of cousins and many friends are and were proud veterans of so many conflicts in which this country was involved. They did so because they felt at a time in their lives, it was important to take a stand, or were drafted or were mobilized. It doesn’t matter why or how; they did what they had to do.

I have written about our veterans in several commentaries, but today I want to share two that I wrote about for this day. I honor our veterans, and our deceased military every day, by giving thanks to them, and to God, that we are fortunate to live in a country where we don’t need to fear our neighbor for the things we say and do. We have Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom OF Religion (not FROM), Freedom of the Press and Freedom to Petition the Government for Redress of Grievances.

We can thank our veterans that in almost 230 years since the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were established, these freedoms have never been withdrawn or lost.

 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Why Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day. In England and elsewhere, it is known as Remembrance Day. In 2014, with all the corruption surrounding the Department of Veterans Affairs, we need to remember why our most important citizens are our veterans.

We must shore up the VA to take better care that those men and women who fought to preserve our liberties are properly cared for, not treated as third-class health care recipients. I am amazed that this President cares more about those who are here illegally, making certain they get quality health care, while those who put it all on the line do not.

 

There is an old expression, "actions speak louder than words." He can blabber all he wants about how he cares for our military; his actions say he cares not a lick.

Last year, I wrote a commentary called "Veterans Day 2013" where I reviewed the history of this solemn day.  I have republished it here today, to remind us all why this day must be cherished.

Once you have read this, please take the time today and always, to thank a veteran for his or her service, and for preserving your and my freedoms and liberties. Pray that the men and women now in harm's way will come back safely.

And pray that the next President, whoever she or he may be, will have more respect and genuine feelings for those who suffer physically and psychologically from the damage incurred on our behalf, than the current one does.

Please enjoy

Veterans Day 2013

November 11, 2013

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said:

"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."

The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. A Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday: "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

 

The name changed officially from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954, due to the efforts of Raymond Weeks, who was honored by President Reagan in 1982 for his efforts. For a time, from 1971 to 1978, Veterans Day was celebrated on the last Monday of October, in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. In 1978, it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11. While the legal holiday remains on November 11, if that date happens to be on a Saturday or Sunday, then organizations that formally observe the holiday will normally be closed on the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively.

Today, we need to pay homage and thanks to our veterans, both living and deceased. Without their sacrifice, we would not enjoy the liberties and freedoms we so much take for granted.  

 

Remember that this is not another reason for retailers to hold another sale. Instead it is about  commemorating, even for a moment or two of silence the memory of those  who either have come back wounded, which they all do in some way, or gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank a Veteran for your liberties, and freedoms. You really will be glad you did.