Today is Veterans Day. Despite, or maybe because of, the
events of this week, it would be a shame to overlook the importance of this
recognition of those who have given so much to defend our country.
Veterans Day originated as
“Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War
I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11
became a national holiday beginning in 1938. In 1954, President Eisenhower
officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Veterans
Day pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially gives
thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or
peacetime.
Veterans Day is not to be confused
with Memorial Day–a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American
service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries
incurred during battle.
Just one question: why are we still adding to the ranks of
war veterans?
We awoke this morning to the sad news of the death of
Leonard Cohen. It sure has been a difficult week.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Love,
Rebecca
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