A day to thank veterans
America will never lack for military veterans to honor, to thank and to remember on this day, Veterans Day. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have increased the numbers of veterans, even as our World War II and Korean War veterans are leaving us.
But this is a day to offer a simple thanks to those who have served recently or served long ago. And, yes, if you see men and women wearing the uniform today, stop them and thank them. This is their day.
It began as Armistice Day, celebrating the end of World War I. The initial ceremonies took place in England and in France, marking the ending of hostilities on Nov. 11, 1918. It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Sadly, there has yet to be the “war to end all wars,” and so on Veterans Day we recognize the living and the dead who have served the country in uniform.
This is a day also to remember the needs of so many veterans, who depend upon the VA hospital system and other benefits, benefits richly deserved and for many absolutely necessary. America must not retreat from providing support for veterans and their families, something of which North Carolinians are well aware, given the military bases and veterans in the state.
Many vets have earned far more than our thanks, but that is what we have to give them. So we must do that today, from sidewalks to cemeteries, in malls and at theaters. See a veteran, thank a veteran. It’s that simple and important.
Armistice Day
To commemorate the ending of the "Great War" (World War I), an "unknown soldier" was buried in highest place of honor in both England and France ( (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on November 11th, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day became known internationally as "Armistice Day".
This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 6:35 PM with the headline "A day to thank veterans."