Our View: Support stays strong for vets; let's pray for peace to come -
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns fell silent. The “Great War” - the war to end all wars - was over. It ended with the Germans signing the armistice. Hence, Armistice Day was born to celebrate the ending of the hostilities that claimed the lives of more than 116,516 American soldiers and hundreds of thousands of those of the other nations involved.
The celebration changed over the years and the day was renamed Veterans Day to honor the nation's veterans of all its wars. The observance has evolved to honor all the country's veterans, including those who served in peacetime.
The day was marked across the nation - whistles blew, church bells rang, horns blared. There were hundreds of parades across the land. And everyone was encouraged to observe a moment of silence for those who had given their all.
The observances dwindled through the years, especially following Vietnam. But in the heartland of the nation, in the Midwest, the spirit of America remains strong and its pride and appreciation for our service members has not wavered.
Witness some of the activities in the area today where the Veteran's Service Commission will stage a ceremony at 11 a.m. at Tracy Park in Portsmouth, featuring Vietnam veteran Wendel Skinner; the Greenup County (Ky.) War Memorial Committee is hosting a celebration at 11 a.m. at War Memorial Park, U.S. 23, in Wurtland, Ky., and 38 POW/MIA flags fly at Christ's Community Church.
On Friday, the George Rightmire Chapter of the National Honor Society of Wheelersburg sponsored a school assembly in honor of our veterans.
Today, the guns rumble again on a far horizon, and once more American servicemen and women are answering the call of their country.
So, as we pause today to pay tribute to all our veterans, let us pray the day will come when we no longer have to observe Veterans Day.
Micah 4:3: “Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war.”
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