It’s true!
We all know (or should know) that on November 11, 1918, the “War to end all wars” came to an end with the armistice agreement between the major powers. It became know as “Armistice Day” (unofficially) when the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
...Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations...
To make it official congress passed (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) which was approved May 13, 1938, [and] made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."
Fast forward to 1954 and congress passed H. R. 7786.
Honor veterans on the 11th day of November of each year, a day dedicated to world peace.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Act entitled "An Act making the 11th day of November in each year a legal holiday"', approved May 13, 1938 (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. C , sec. 87a), is hereby amended by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in lieu thereof the word "Veterans". Approved June 1, 1954.
See? The only difference is one word. 52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. C , sec. 87a has not lost its original meaning; “a day dedicated to world peace.”
Now in practice it hasn’t been quite so simple. I feel its has been co-opted by the flag wavers and “uber patriots” (hope I don’t get in trouble for using German) that wish to glorify that which should not be glorified.
There's many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but boys, it is all hell.
General William Tecumseh Sherman, 1880.
While it is fitting and proper to honor all veterans for their service, the original intent of November eleventh has become lost to the militarization and commercialization of this important date.
With flags flying and bands playing, veterans from all eras march in parades. Dignitaries give glowing speeches glorifying the heroism of those who had the misfortune to end up in combat. Fighter jets streak above the gathered crowds, cannons roar, taps played and shopping malls offer special sales on merchandise more than likely made in third world countries. So one day a year we remember those men and women who put on the uniform and took the oath. The rest of the year it is business as usual. We pass by the homeless vet with the cardboard sign. We allowed our elected representatives to gut the Veterans Administration.
This is nothing new. Throughout the history of the United States, veterans have been treated abysmally until WWII veterans were granted the first G.I. bill. When that bill expired, the new G.I. bills which followed, were mere shadows of the original and again established the perception, if not the fact, that veterans could be thrown a bone and be happy. While America enjoyed the economic benefits of the 50s and 60s, veterans who had been exposed to atomic bomb tests, used as lab rats in experiments of the effects of different chemicals and drugs at the Army's Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland and exposed to Agent Orange and other chemicals in Vietnam were denied claims or simply ignored by the government, the public and the Veterans Administration. This pattern was continued as veterans of Desert Storm started displaying disturbing aliments after they returned from the war. They too were dismissed until years later Gulf War Syndrome was recognized as a real malady.
The military casualties of war are the price paid by those who are called to engage in its "obscenity of violence". And as history has shown, it seems one day a year is adequate to remember their service.
Now we have the returning veterans from the wars and occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan. There have been numerous reports of the way the returning veterans have been treated and there is no need to rehash every scandal and misstep perpetrated on these men and women except to say that while shocking, it was not unexpected if history is our guide. While there have been individuals and many ad hoc organizations set up to try and help these service men and women and the general public reads or hears a heartwarming story about a vet overcoming his or her disability, we soon forget as we are distracted by the next celebrity divorce, death or DUI endlessly repeated on what is called "news".
And now of course we hear the news (again) that a group of veterans who actually stand for peace have been denied the “privilege” of marching in a Veterans Day parade.
Phx Mayor Stanton: LET V.F.P. March In Parade !!!!!
President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation " which stated:
"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. Toward this
end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as
Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include
such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will
coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the
observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and
agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the
National Committee in every way possible."
“…all veterans, all veterans' organizations,…”
Opps.
The contempt I hold for those who would refuse veterans who are honoring the original purpose of 11-11, “a day dedicated to world peace”, is beyond measure.
"Peace Out"
OPOL