WWI ended on November 11, 1918. There was nothing left but to celebrate the victory over Germany. But there would be no early celebration. Although Allied leaders knew WWI would end at 11:00 a.m., they decided to kill German soldiers until the war ended. Allied leaders forced thousands of troops to assault the defeated German army. The final assault led to the German army needlessly killing an additional 11,000 Allied soldiers.
The ego driven Allied commanders considered it a final opportunity for glory and promotions. And this bloody day would pave the way to Veteran’s Day as we know it today. In 1919, Veteran’s Day was originally celebrated as Armistice Day. After sacrifices made by American soldiers in WWII and Korea, President Eisenhower signed a bill in 1954 to declare November 11 as Veteran’s Day.
The armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of 1918.
Veterans Day is a national holiday that celebrates living military personnel (former and currently serving). It provides an opportunity for all Americans to thank living veterans for their military service. Many Americans mistakenly think that Veteran’s Day is a day to remember those killed or wounded in combat.
Memorial Day remembers military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, we honor over 20 million Americans who have served their country.
Sadly, Korean and WWII veterans are a dying breed of great men. And once they are gone, we will no longer be able to seek their wisdom. Today, our soldiers are in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations throughout the world. It is important to remember that we have modern-day warriors who are ready to die so that we can live in a free world.
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