Veteran's Day Dedication

Today we honor those men and women who have stood in the line of fire so that the people of this world should know the possibility of freedom and liberty. Not just here in the USA but in many other countries around the world.

On June 28th, 1919, the end of World War I came with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. However, the fighting between the allies and the Germans had ended several months earlier. At 11 am on November 11th, 1918, an armistice had been declared by the warring nations. It was this day that was chosen as a day of remembrance.

In 1926, the President, at the urging of a congressional resolution, begins the annual right of proclaiming November 11th, Armistice Day.

In 1938, Congress passes legislation officially declaring November 11th a federal holiday. Over the next few years, the states also follow suit.

In 1954, then President Dwight David Eisenhower, officially changes the name of Armistice day to Veteran's day.

In 1968, Congress passes legislation declaring the 4th Monday in October as Veteran's day. The law is set to go into effect in 1971.

For a short time the states follow the change set down by the federal government. However, due to popular sentiment, over time, states revert to the original day of November 11th. In 1975, Congress once again passes legislation, only this time, to reestablish Veteran's Day as November 11th.

In 1978, the new law went into effect and so it has been ever since.

It is my hope that each of us takes a moment this day to remember those who have fought so that we in this world can know the concepts of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness as more than hopes and dreams.

It is my hope that we take a moment to remember those who have given their last full measure so that we may live in a world where freedom is not just a concept written down in a history book.

It is my hope that each of us take a moment to think of those who still fight so that others might know that which we know as the everyday of our existence.

It is my hope that we take a moment to think on those in the future who may be called upon to once again fight for our right to be free.

To all the veterans past, present, and future, I say thank you. Thank you for standing up when others would not. Thank you for daring to fight when others cower in fear. Thank you for railing against death when others give in to silent resignation. Thank you for being you.