"World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars'.”
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting in its place the word 'Veterans.' On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars."
-US Department of Veteran's Affairs website
Every year, our elementary & middle school invites veteran's from the area to come and be honored. The program started by presenting the colors which was done by the Girl Scout troops followed by the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance. What happened after the welcome really impressed me. The gym was filled with elementary children K-4th grade, about 20 veterans, teachers, family & friends. All stood and sang "The National Anthem". Those kids blew me away! They knew every word and sang with pride and confidence!
Each serviceman & woman had the opportunity to stand up, say their name, which brand of service, and where & when they have served. Many of them thanked the kids for honoring them. One particular vet pointed out to the children that the war these men & women have seen is not like the ones seen in video games. "War is not just battles," he said, "it is so much more than that. The troops help other countries as well as protecting our own. There is a lot of good going on, not just shooting." A point well made, I thought. Another vet, my stepfather, got up to introduce himself. On a side note, he had been called by my daughter an hour before the program started, and was able to make it there in time. She so desperately wanted him to come. I never know what he is going to say. He is one the best spontaneous speakers I know. He went on by saying, "There is a young lady here, who has five children and has been walking the halls of this school for many years. She now runs marathons with a 3 x 5 American flag in honor of those who serve and protect our freedom." That was it, then he sat down. I wasn't ready for that. The woman behind me handed me a tissue just in time.
We sang patriotic songs, had a moment of silence, (I never thought a gym could be that quiet with that many children in it) and the colors were retired.
Later, it was the middle school's turn to invite the veterans to be honored. It was a packed house, filled with students, grades 5th-8th, teachers, family & friends of about 60 veterans. The band played, the choir sang, the Pledge was said, and "America, the Beautiful" was sung by a beautiful angelic voice of a 7th grade girl. All branches of the military were honored with song. Each man & woman stood when their branch song was played. There were WWII vets, Vietnam vets, Korean war vets, Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom vets.
A sergeant spoke about his tours and experiences in the Army. He will again leave his family and be deployed for another year very soon. He wanted everyone to know how grateful he was to be honored like this, but to also not to forget the families. He said, "When you thank a vet, be sure to thank their wives/husbands, children & other family members as well. It is harder on the families who stay behind than the serviceman/woman who are actually deployed."
Another service woman stood and thanked everyone for coming. She said emotionally, "You don't know how this makes all of us feel when we get honored." We were reminded that Vietnam vets were not honored in the way we honor vets today. Isn't is wonderful how all are honored now! Even though, I think they could be honored even more...is it ever enough to thank the one who sacrifices to keep you free?
Members of the 8th grade class made the most poignant gesture. One brought a small table and set it next to the podium. Another draped a white table cloth over it. The next put on a vase with one red rose. The next put on a single candle with a black bow. Then a plate was placed with a lemon, and salt sprinkled on top, representing the tears that have been shed. The glass was placed upside down, showing that there will never be anyone drinking from it. The last item placed was an empty chair. Every item had meaning. The table had been set for the soldier who will never return, the soldier who has given their life for their country and our freedom. It was a table for the MIA's and the POW's. A moment of silence followed, and silent it was.
As we left, we had the opportunity to thank each veteran as they lined up in a receiving line. I was so ecstatic to be able to personally thank each one.
I was so proud of our school and how they took the time to set up such wonderful programs to honor these heroes. It was a good day to be a Patriot.
