The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month symbolically marked the end of World War I, the “war to end all wars,” in 1918. That description turned out to be not at all accurate.
Nonetheless, Veterans Day in the United States, Armistice Day or Remembrance Day elsewhere, provides opportunity to remember and commemorate all the brave men and women who have faithfully served their country across generations. On the first anniversary, President Wilson proclaimed:
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.
So we say a heartfelt thank you to all American veterans and those still serving on active duty. For all you’ve done, and the sacrifices you’ve made, for our country … we appreciate you.
Thank you for continuing to uphold your oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”