Today we will pause to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces who served in previous wars, who are serving today, and who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The origin of Veteran’s Day dates back to 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. The end of the war happened at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. The name of this historic day was changed to Veteran’s Day by Congress in 1954.
We honor each of America’s veterans who served so faithfully and with courage and commitment. Through your sacrifices you have secured for millions of others the blessings of freedom, democracy, and the unmatched opportunity that we enjoy in the U.S. today. Our message this week salutes these heroes. We are deeply thankful for the veterans who served our country with great honor in the past, and to those who uphold their duties today.
Heroes
By Jared Jenkins
In war, there are lives risked and lives taken
Men and women giving their best to defend what they love
They defend their country, their honor, their people.
Some call them soldiers
Others call them heroes.
Our veterans have risked their lives for us
They have lived through hell and fought with honor
Many have killed, and regret doing so.
For every life, there is a soul
For every soul, there is a life
For those who have died, we show great appreciation and remembrance
For those who live, along with them live the horrific memories of battle
Some, memories of defeat
Some, memories of victory.
Our veterans were more than soldiers
They were, and still are, heroes.