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I know you’ve heard this before, but November is the month I joined the Navy and left for basic training. This time of year always conjures up memories of my military service and the five years I gave to serving my country.
I served with hundreds of people. Some came from similar backgrounds as me – single-parent households in which the only promise of college was the GI Bill. Some came from different backgrounds. We were all unique in our own way but one when it came to the whole – our unit, company, platoon, etc.
I cannot recall ever really thinking about what the military was actually doing for me or what the military was truly preparing me to become. It really didn’t matter if I had remained in the armed services or not – they instilled in me a sense of pride, a strong need to challenge myself, and a sense of volunteerism that had not been there before.
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Prior to that, in England and France, similar ceremonies had taken place in which an unknown soldier had been buried in their highest places of honor, Westminster Abbey and the Arc de Triomphe. Each ceremony occurred on Nov. 11, paving the way for universal recognition of World War I’s ending.
Originally, Veterans Day was called Armistice Day, signifying the anniversary of the major hostilities of World War I that formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when Germany signed the Armistice Treaty.
Veterans Day should always be solemn and joyful, reflective and patriotic. It is only appropriate that we celebrate a holiday that acknowledges the contributions of those who have fallen, those that have passed away, and those that are still living reminders of how great our country is and why.
Today, we celebrate their sacrifices and call to duty. But, it goes beyond just today. We must recognize every individual that has or is serving in the Armed Forces and keep them in our thoughts and prayers all year long.
I’d like to take this time to salute those who have served, who are serving, and who will someday serve.
Happy Veterans Day!
I know you’ve heard this before, but November is the month I joined the Navy and left for basic training. This time of year always conjures up memories of my military service and the five years I gave to serving my country.
I served with hundreds of people. Some came from similar backgrounds as me – single-parent households in which the only promise of college was the GI Bill. Some came from different backgrounds. We were all unique in our own way but one when it came to the whole – our unit, company, platoon, etc.
I cannot recall ever really thinking about what the military was actually doing for me or what the military was truly preparing me to become. It really didn’t matter if I had remained in the armed services or not – they instilled in me a sense of pride, a strong need to challenge myself, and a sense of volunteerism that had not been there before.
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Prior to that, in England and France, similar ceremonies had taken place in which an unknown soldier had been buried in their highest places of honor, Westminster Abbey and the Arc de Triomphe. Each ceremony occurred on Nov. 11, paving the way for universal recognition of World War I’s ending.
Originally, Veterans Day was called Armistice Day, signifying the anniversary of the major hostilities of World War I that formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when Germany signed the Armistice Treaty.
Veterans Day should always be solemn and joyful, reflective and patriotic. It is only appropriate that we celebrate a holiday that acknowledges the contributions of those who have fallen, those that have passed away, and those that are still living reminders of how great our country is and why.
Today, we celebrate their sacrifices and call to duty. But, it goes beyond just today. We must recognize every individual that has or is serving in the Armed Forces and keep them in our thoughts and prayers all year long.
I’d like to take this time to salute those who have served, who are serving, and who will someday serve.
Happy Veterans Day!
