A Moment of Reflection this Veterans Day admin November 9, 2016 Veteran Inspired 315 November 11, 1918, marked the official cessation of hostilities between the Allied and Germany forces in World War I. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 “Armistice Day,” then, following the heavy involvement of U.S. troops in World War II and the Korean War, it was renamed “Veterans Day” in 1954, to honor those served in ALL American conflicts. A Quick Lesson in American Military History Our country was born from a bloody revolution, a revolution that was inspired by a progressive sense of economic independence, social justice, and freedom from oppression and intolerance. After gaining our independence, we struggled long and hard to keep it, as others threatened to take it away from us. We have warred amongst ourselves, and we have battled on foreign soil. No matter what the conflict, or where it might take them, the brave men and women of our Armed Force have always risen to the call, in service to our nation and everything it stands for. In total, approximately 42 million Americans have served in the United States military. Today, we have over 21 million living Veterans from current and past conflicts, and each end every one of them deserves our utmost gratitude and respect. What Veterans Day Means to Us Veterans Day is a day for all Americans to honor those who have fought for our great country. Since the outbreak of World War I, over 38 million Americans have been engaged in foreign conflicts in defense of freedom from tyranny. From the trenches that lined Western Europe, to the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia, to the mountainous regions of the Middle East, American soldiers have endured the most extreme of environments and life-threatening situations. These brave men and women put their lives on hold, and on the line, in service to America, and for that, we are eternally grateful. We encourage each and every one of you to take this Veterans Day to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans, to thank those who continue to serve, and to appreciate that our way of life would not exist, were it not for those who came before us. **Source: https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/factsheets/fs_americas_wars.pdf
