On Sunday, November 11, the nation will observe Veterans Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of the country, and commitment to serve and sacrifice for the common good of the USA.
Some brief history behind Veterans Day
World War I (also known as "The Great War") officially concluded on June 28, 1919, however seven months earlier, fighting ceased 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. It's for this very reason that November 11, 1918 is noted as the end of "the war to end all wars."
In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson originally named this holiday "Armistice Day." The idea was to celebrate with parades, public meetings and a temporary suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
It wasn't until June 1, 1954 that Congress amended the name of the holiday to "Veterans Day." In October of that same year, President Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation," formally changing "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day."
How the Nation celebrates Veterans Day
Each year on November 11th, the Veterans National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery. Commencement begins at exactly 11:00 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns, then progresses inside the Memorial Amphitheatre "with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries." The purpose of this ceremony is to show honor and gratitude to all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
There are also a number of Veterans Day observances across the country which areselected by the Veterans Day National Committee. You can visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a listing of various events and ceremonies that will be held in your region.
As we pause and pay tribute to America's veterans, we must honor them with our gratitude, knowing that they served and sacrificed to protect and preserve the values of this great nation...and continue to do so today. May we never forget their strength, courage, and profound willingness to stand up and defend our way of life.
I hope this important holiday finds you and your family well.
Sincerely,
Shawn Kaplan
Access National Mortgage
skaplan@accessnational.com
