It’s been a more heightened year than we’ve seen in quite a while. This Veteran’s Day, we are remembering to take those moments to reflect on those who have served in this country’s honor. Despite differences in opinion that many of us have, we can agree that it is great to be an American, to live in this country and to honor those who decide to defend our ideals.
History Speaks
1919 was the year president Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th the first year of Armistice Day. He said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
This Year, Every Year
Ever since, we celebrate every November 11th as a way to pay tribute to the heroes- our country’s servicemen and women.
In a light yet meaningful way to connect with Veteran’s here are some of our favorite facts, quotes and anecdotes related to this special November holiday:
“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys. Look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death!”
–Sun Tzu
“Without heroes, we are all plain people, and don’t know how far we can go.”
— Bernard Malamud
“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary,
all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will
wish to join hands in the common purpose.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that
the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
— John F. Kennedy
“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.”
— Dan Lipinski
“My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place–police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces.”
— Sidney Sheldon
“Better than honor and glory, and History’s iron pen, Was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.”
— Richard Watson Gilder
“Our veterans accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called.” –Bill Shuster”
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
— Maya Angelou
“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.”
— Jeff Miller
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.”
— José Narosky
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
— President George Washington