World War I fighting ended at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). Years later the day was officially named Armistice Day by a Congressional resolution in 1926.
It was the hope of those who created Armistice Day to honor veterans and their service that World War I – The Great War – would in fact be “the war to end all wars.”
Armistice Day became Veterans Day officially in 1954 after the staggering casualties resulting from World War II. Sixteen and a half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.
There have been other wars since then, still requiring great sacrifice from our veterans. Too often, that sacrifice is the ultimate sacrifice.
Thus, we take time on Veterans Day to honor our veterans’ sacrifices in the hope that we may find a way to “end all wars.”
We solemnly ask you to take a moment and say a prayer for every one of these brave men and women who died so that we may continue to live free.
And please say a special prayer for those who continue the fight, and for those who are fighting to reacclimate.
As this new generation of vets returns home, they, like those who have served before, face many challenges as they readjust to civilian life.
But there is hope and there is help.
The caring professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping veterans of all ages and circumstances. Many of the responders are veterans themselves and understand what veterans and their families and friends have been through and the challenges veterans of all ages and service eras face.
Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 890,000 calls and made more than 30,000 life-saving rescues.
If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of assistance, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255.
The staff of The Queens Courier would like to send our thanks to all of our country’s veterans of war for their contributions and service to our nation.
Veterans Day is the one day a year set aside to honor military veterans, past and present – but we feel that should be every day.
For all those who came home – and for those who didn’t – we say THANK YOU.
Join us in remembering and honoring our country’s heroes today by tweeting us your Veteran Day pictures (@queenscourier) or posting them on our Facebook page.
