As government offices are closed and Wall Street shuts down, the one day out of the year honoring those who have served arrived today. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the official time and date of the end of the First World War– Veteran’s Day. While originally declaring November 11, 1919 as Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson 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.”
As a veteran, I want to also thank my comrades-in-arms for their service as well. The lifelong friends I made while serving will always hold a special place in my heart. From one veteran to another, thank you. And for those who will one day hold such a status, we will one day welcome you to the fold. God Bless America.