Today is Armistice Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. It is difficult for this generation to place in proper perspective the extent to which World War I, a war in which my grandfather fought, shook America.
The Civil War was fifty years in the rear view mirror and only the elderly had any vivid memories of it. Since then, wars had been few and casualties few (see chart below of the wars fought by America between the Civil War and World War I. Casualties in all these wars combined totaled less than 10,000.
But then came World War I, and America suffered 116,516 casualties. As US population was just 100 million at the time, this figure can be viewed as comparable to 500,000 casualties today, an alarming number to say the least.
That’s why the Armistice signed on 11/11/1918 meant so much, for it ended a war the magnitude of which was shocking to America. Armistice Day was both solemn and joyous, a fitting day to think of and pay respect to World War I veterans. It has, quite logically, been broadened to pay respect to all war veterans and is now known as Veterans Day.
Veterans since then have distinguished themselves and we owe all veterans a great debt of gratitude for the freedoms and safety we enjoy, for they have done so much to help bestow these upon us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who have served.
The Civil War was fifty years in the rear view mirror and only the elderly had any vivid memories of it. Since then, wars had been few and casualties few (see chart below of the wars fought by America between the Civil War and World War I. Casualties in all these wars combined totaled less than 10,000.
But then came World War I, and America suffered 116,516 casualties. As US population was just 100 million at the time, this figure can be viewed as comparable to 500,000 casualties today, an alarming number to say the least.
That’s why the Armistice signed on 11/11/1918 meant so much, for it ended a war the magnitude of which was shocking to America. Armistice Day was both solemn and joyous, a fitting day to think of and pay respect to World War I veterans. It has, quite logically, been broadened to pay respect to all war veterans and is now known as Veterans Day.
Veterans since then have distinguished themselves and we owe all veterans a great debt of gratitude for the freedoms and safety we enjoy, for they have done so much to help bestow these upon us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who have served.
