The 11th hour of the 11th day...

It has been nearly a century since the end of the “The Great War.” On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany.

Beginning the following year, Armistice Day was celebrated. From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ report on the history of Veterans Day --

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:

"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…"

In 1953 the townsfolk of Emporia Kansas called the day “Veterans’ Day” to honor the veterans of their town. Eventually the federal government followed suit, and that is why today Americans call the 11th of November “Veterans Day.” In Great Britain and France, the day is still called Armistice Day; in Canada, Remembrance Day.

While Memorial Day remembers the veterans who have died, Veterans Day honors living veterans. At the Library of Congress, the Veterans History Project collects stories of wartime service – correspondence, photography personal narratives and written memoirs.

As I remember my own father, who fought in two wars, and the many men and women who have literally put their lives on the line for freedom, I think that one special way to honor them is by planting a tree. Trees take root and grow, the way that someday peace will do.

World World I was called “the war to end all wars.” If only it had…

Until next time,

Conna