This post is adapted from a previous post of mine.
Today is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on 11/11/1918 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 over fifty years in the rear view mirror and only the elderly had any vivid memories of it, and few Civil War veterans remained alive. Since then, wars had been few and casualties in all the wars combined between the Civil War and World War I totaled less than 10,000. But then came World War I, and America suffered about 117,000 casualties. In 1918, well over 95% of all living American veterans were those that had fought in World War I.
That’s why the Armistice 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 consistently 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 priceless gifts upon us.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who have served.
