Today, at 2:11 pm EST, observe a two-minute moment of silence in honor of the brave men and women who previously served in the military. We acknowledge their great sacrifice and sense of duty to protect so that others may be free. Today, honor our country’s veterans.
Veterans Day was originally a day to honor the end of World War I. “On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month,” the “Great War” ended after four years of the most brutal fighting the world had ever seen. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 when Congressman Ed Rees (R-KY) introduced a bill before Congress. It was signed into law by former five-star General of the Army and President Dwight D. Eisenhower on May 26, 1954. It’s been known as Veterans Day ever since.
Veterans Day celebrates the service of those who fought in our nation’s military. It’s a sacrifice that many of us take for granted. And, unfortunately, it’s a holiday that has lost some of its luster in our society. It’s a trend that must change because our veterans are an integral part of the greatness of our country.
“Without organized force, and the threat of the use of it under certain circumstances, there is no freedom, anywhere,” William F. Buckley said during a speech at West Point in 1971. “Without freedom, there is no humanity.”
Without our nation’s veterans, we would not have our freedoms. Without freedoms, we wouldn’t have the United States of America. Their honor and dedication as the guardians of our country is a cherished tradition that we must all respect and admire.
So, today, while we do any one of a number of luxuries that previous generations could only dream of, remember to honor those who allowed us to have such opulence: veterans. From the American Revolution to Afghanistan, our country’s military veterans have protected our country and ensured our freedoms and liberties always prevail.
Today, all Americans say thank you.
