Veteran’s Day – Honoring Those Who Served

Today is a day to honor veterans, young and old, alive and fallen, for having fought for our country. November 11th of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.

My husband has taken five of our six children to a local nursing home this morning, complete with thank you cards, to meet veterans living there and thank them for their service. I’m at home with my newborn, a very cranky one at that (I also think hubby’s a tad crazy or was bumped on the head in the night for bringing my two-year-old aka “Hurricane” but that’s another story).

A little history for you about what this day is about, for those who may or may not know:

Veteran’s Day began as “Armistice Day”, originally commemorating the end of World War I, in which an “unknown soldier” was buried in highest place of honor in both England and France, taking place at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). Today marks the 90th anniversary of that occasion.

Three years later, the United States of America followed the actions of the French and English by laying to rest the remains of an unknown American soldier from World War I in Arlington National Cemetery. The tomb symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran and became known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” Today it is called the “Tomb of the Unknowns.”

The ceremony held in 1921

Many years later, the first Veteran’s Day parade was organized on November 11th 1947 to honor all of America’s veterans for their loyal and dedicated service. It was years later when President Eisenhower signed the Presidential Order to form a Veteran’s Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day in 1954.

The Tomb is guarded 24-hours-per-day and 365-days-per year by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard). They work day on, day off, in three man teams, relieved after every hour (or half hour in the summer). The Tomb Guards walk 21 steps across the Tomb, stops on the 21st step, then turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds. He then turns to face back down the mat, changes his weapon to the outside shoulder, counts 21 seconds, then steps off for another 21 step walk down the mat. He faces the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until he is relieved at the Guard Change. The number 21 alludes to the 21-Gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

Today, if you wouldn’t mind, take a moment to say a prayer for our soldiers, or thank one if you see one, or call one if you know one. If the soldier you know is one fighting for our country overseas, consider writing a thank you card, a letter or a postcard just to let them know you are thinking of them this day.

To every soldier, this day means a great deal to them, as does Memorial Day. If you haven’t already, consider checking out MailOurMilitary, or any other way you can help our fine Military.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate it, my husband appreciates it, as does his comrades in arms here and everywhere in the world.