Veterans Day

Opinion

November 9, 2009

Honor those on Wednesday who honor us with service

Anonymous The Register-Herald Mon Nov 09, 2009, 09:31 PM EST

You may not know the history — how Veteran’s Day actually began as Armistice Day, celebrating the end of fighting between the allied nations and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 Armistice Day.

By 1938, the United States Congress had made Armistice Day a legal holiday, one dedicated to the cause of world peace. That act was soon amended to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.”

President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veteran’s Day Proclamation on Oct. 8, 1954. For a brief period in the late 1960s, the White House attempted to observe Veteran’s Day at a time other than Nov. 11, but citizens disagreed. So, since 1978, Veterans Day has been observed each year on the historically significant date of Nov. 11.

History lesson aside, it is our hope that you do know what is important about Nov. 11: The entire day is one on which to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

It may be a holiday for the nation, but it is certainly one for communities to take to heart. Veterans are not an unfamiliar group of strangers or far-off historic characters; these are our neighbors, our family members, and our loved ones of present and past.

Communities such as Beckley and Hinton will honor Veterans Wednesday with special programs and parades. Children will wave American flags. Marching bands will play patriotic tunes. And the men and women who wear or once wore our nation’s military uniforms will be remembering their service.

It is a small tribute in light of the tremendous sacrifices veterans have made and continue to make each day for our freedom.

Veterans Day is an ideal time to thank a veteran and, perhaps, to welcome him or her back home. But our veterans deserve thanks each and every day, not just on the historically significant date of Nov. 11.

We must also remember that this special day originally celebrated a moment when fighting stopped. Peace would certainly be something worth celebrating. But until that day comes, we will celebrate those who willingly sacrifice of themselves working selflessly toward that goal.

Text Only

Opinion

No-bid contracts
Lawmakers need to put checks, balances in place

October 8, 2010
Negative campaigning
Smear tactics do nothing but add to public’s distrust

October 7, 2010
Deterrent
Authorities’ use of murder charge could help curb copper thefts

October 6, 2010
Mine safety
For agencies to remain relevant, public must demand a better job

September 30, 2010
Thumbs
September 25, 2010
Sweep it up
Volunteers to converge on litter today, tomorrow

September 24, 2010
Fighting the flu
CDC recommending vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older

September 16, 2010
Dental hygiene
Give kids healthy snacks and take advantage of programs

September 8, 2010
Get it right
Election officials must stop abdicating responsibilities

August 22, 2010
Too late
Reactive rather than proactive, MSHA decision on ventilation enforcement a slap in face

August 18, 2010
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Veterans Day

Honor those on Wednesday who honor us with service

Site Map

Contact Us