Tag: Veterans

Day 11 Gratitude Challenge

In 1918, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect, officially ending what was known as “the war to end all wars.” While World War I officially ended several months later, it sod not end all wars.

My grandfather served in World War I. My father had his service during the Korean War deferred and served during peacetime. Many other relatives of mine have also served in the United States Armed Forces.

I’ve shared this story in the past, but it truly deserves to be told once more. Nearly two decades ago, I found myself in Washington DC with my wife and oldest son on a peaceful Sunday morning. As we wandered down to the new World War II memorial, I was filled with a sense of reverence. Just a short while after our arrival, a bus filled with World War II veterans pulled up. The sight of those 80 plus year old men having come to honor their shared sacrifices, moved me deeply.

As the veterans stepped off the bus, each was given a rose. It was a moving sight to witness many of them gently place the roses at the memorial, choosing spots that clearly held deep personal meaning for them. I took a photo of a gentleman walking slowly with a rose in hand, carefully deciding where to place it. Yet, what is etched in my memory is the poignant image of him and a few others standing together, reluctant to leave, tears in their eyes. The weight of their emotions in that moment was truly powerful.

I will never fully understand this gentleman’s journey during World War II, but my gratitude for his service is unwavering. I also deeply appreciate every veteran who has fought for our freedoms.

Today marks a well-deserved day off for many of us, a moment to relax and recharge. But let’s take a moment to reflect on what this day truly represents. It’s a chance to express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave individuals who have served our country, safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear. Their sacrifices have paved the way for us to enjoy our liberties, and today, let’s honor their commitment and valor.

Day 11 Gratitude Challenge

Today is about the veterans. Be grateful for them today and everyday. Many in my family are veterans. This picture is of a statue my dads cousin Cecil Harris.

Take time to read Proclamation 3071—Veteran’s Day, 1954 which states in part:

“Whereas, in order to expand the significance of that commemoration and in order that a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation, the Congress, by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

Day 11 – Gratitude Challenge

For many, today is a holiday. It is a day off from work. But it is, and should be, so much more. It is Veterans Day.

In 1926, Congress passed the following:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

Millions of people have served our country, including many I care deeply about. My grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, and many others have served. So today, I am grateful for the veterans, living and dead, who served our country honorably.

Day 11 of Gratitude Challenge

In 1938, the United States made November 11 a legal holiday. It was originally called Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I. It is interesting to note that as World War I was wrapping up, the Spanish Flu pandemic was ramping up. In 1954, Congress changed the name of the holiday to “Veterans Day” to honor ALL who have served in our military.

Today, I proudly and publicly state my gratitude and support for all those who have served. Thank you for your service. Thank you for putting your life on the line so that others can have freedom. Thank you for keeping the world safer. Thank you.

Though I have not served, many close to me have. My father, my father-in-law, my grandfather and several of my uncles have served. Some of my friends have served. Thank you.

Today, thank a veteran. Buy him/ her a coffee or a meal. Reflect on you have because of our veterans.