On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the guns fell silent. November 11, 1918 become the end of the “Great War.” The world hoped it was the “War to End all Wars.” It didn’t take long for us to learn that war will continue.
May 13, 1938 by an act of congress November 11 became a national holiday called “Armistice Day.” After World War II and Korea, congress amended the 1938 act in 1954 changing the name to Veterans Day to honor veterans or all the wars.
At one point (1971-1975) congress tried to make Veterans Day a floating holiday to create a three day weekend. There was uproar from the people and Veterans Day was changed back to November 11.
Lately I think Veterans Day is fading. After September 11, 2001, everyone honored our veterans, now we are starting to forget.
Here is a different reason to thank our Veterans. When someone joins the American Military they lose all of their rights and freedoms. They do this willingly for the term of their contract plus a couple extra years.
I learned this the hard way when I joined the Marine Corps October 13, 1998 (no I didn’t have to look up this date; it’s the day I reported for boot camp). From the time I stepped off the bus the Marine Corps told me when I could eat, when I could sleep, if I could make phone calls, and even controlled what news and mail I got from the outside world.
Once out of boot camp this continued. I was told when and where to report, when I got off duty, and where I could go when I was off duty. They controlled my entire life while I was on active duty.
Just remember to thank a Veteran today, they willing gave up their freedom so you could have yours.
Stay Safe,
Ben Branam