Many in my family have served. One grandfather fought in Europe with the Army during WWI. My other grandfather fought in the South Pacific during WWII with the Marines. My uncle serviced B-24s in Italy during WWII and my aunt served with the WAVES. My dad served in the Navy during the Korean War.
Some of these persons mentioned above have passed away, but today is a day for me to honor their memories and thank those remaining for their service to this country. I encourage you to thank a veteran today for fighting for your freedom and for freedom around the world.
Here is a little history on Veteran's day (from the Department of Veteran's Affairs).
Official recognition of the end of the first modern global conflict -- World War I - - was made in a concurrent resolution (44 Stat. 1982) enacted by Congress on June 4, 1926, with these words:
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.
