Whether it’s “This We’ll Defend,” “Semper Fidelis,” or “Aim High, Fly Fight Win,” we thank our veterans for their service.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” — Joseph Campbell
The wise words from American mythologist, writer, and lecturer Joseph Campbell remind me of those who have served in the military as much as those who are currently serving. Our country has survived numerous wars because of those who fight for our country, which we consider our home.
To celebrate a holiday made specifically to honor people who have formerly served in the military is not just to celebrate one person, but to celebrate them all. Those who have served and those who are currently serving, thank you!
World War I was a tragic time in the revolution of France, America, Italy, Russia, Japan, and Great Britain, where far too many people were lost. The cause of the war is detrimental to the understanding of why it lasted so long.
The cause or beginning of it all cannot be tracked back to any one event just MAINE (military, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and specific events). An example of a particular event would be like the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Years of fighting ended with Germany losing the war. The reason behind Germany withdrawing their troops was that they realized they would never win the war. The then-current German leader, Kaiser Wilhelm, stepped down on Nov. 9, preceding the Treaty of Versailles signed by Germany in 1919. That same year, President Wilson declared Nov. 11 as Armistice Day.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, honoring the signing of the Armistice Agreement by Germany. The definition of armistice is simply a truce. A treaty, if you may, but a ceasefire, nonetheless. So, Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 because that is the official day the war ended.
WW II, also known as the second world war, and so far, the last, started in 1939 and ended in 1945. This war could have been influenced by several events that were occurring at that time. Either way, Germany’s decision to invade Poland in 1939 then threaten Great Britain and France in 1940 was set in stone.
This decision marked the beginning of the deadliest war this world has ever seen that included many of the world’s countries. Now, this war did not just become a global conflict. It was not until Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hitler invaded Russia, Nazis killed millions of Jewish people, and Britain suffered the Britain Battle and the Blitz, did it then officially become a global conflict.
The casualties of this war have been estimated to be around 70 to 85 million. WW II ended through several treaties, and Japan surrendered in 1945. The end of the war was the beginning of The United Nations.
Years later, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1971 due to the Veterans Administration’s push to change it after the number of people who passed away or were injured during WW II. Veterans Day at the time was celebrated oddly on Oct. 25, then later changed to Nov. 11 in 1975, and officially starting in 1978.
To be specific, Veterans Day is a celebration for those who have or are serving in the military, and Memorial Day is for those who served and passed away. From then to now, Veterans Day is an unforgettable day that should remind everyone of the appreciation that should be given to those who have served.
Out of appreciation of our veterans, my siblings and I have volunteered several years at our local Veterans Administration. As a daughter, granddaughter, and cousin of family members who have or who are serving, I appreciate our veterans and military!
Dacia Jackson
Thank you for your sacrifices, service, and dedication to our country. The significance of this day will never be forgotten. So, as this week comes to an end, we should make it a habit to thank those who have served for their service.
