To all who served, are serving, and who are in process of signing up to serve our country, Thank you.
Portions of The History of Veterans Day were taken from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs,
In 1921, an unknown World War 1 American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site overlooks the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.
Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminister Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War 1 fighting at 11 a.m., 1918. The day became known as “Armistice Day.”
Armistice Day changed to honor all veterans, not just those of WW1. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
The official national ceremony continues with the hoisting of the us state flags. It is to be held at the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes, “Present Arms” at the tomb.
I am fortunate enough to live near Golden Gate National Cemetery in the city of San Bruno, California. Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. (PST).
If cannot attend a ceremony, consider pausing for a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to honor the men and women who serve our country.
Etiquette approach: No matter what your position is on war or military spending, avoid politicizing this day. It is simply to honor people who chose the military path. If you see a military man or woman, thank them for the service, or buy them a cup of coffee or burger. And above all, respect their choice.
Thank you to all who serve and continue to serve.
With gratitude, Rosalinda Randall
