To those who have served, Thank You!

July 4th is a day all Americans celebrate. But what about November 11? It may be just another day to most people. Another day to spend time with friends, go to the movies, watch television, relax on the couch with a good book, or even a day off of work without understanding why they have the day off. But allow me to tell you what this day means to me. Since the Lord placed on my heart the desire to study American History, November 11 took on a whole new meaning.
At the conclusion of World War I, an armistice (cease fire) was signed at 11:00 AM on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service..." In 1938, Congress made "Armistice Day" an official holiday to celebrate and remember those that fought and died in World War I. But after World War II ended just eight years later, Congress decided to amend the Act and exchanged the word Armistice for the word Veterans. Officially signed into law on June 1, 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, November 11 became known and celebrated every year as "Veterans Day". President Eisenhower stated, "On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores to preserve our heritage of freedom..." And so, for the last 10 years, as a student and teacher of American History, I have come to respect and celebrate November 11 just as much as any other American holiday. May we all on this day remember those who have fought and died to preserve our freedom and protect the liberties that we all-to-often take for granted. May we never, ever forget the men and women who, from the Revolutionary War to the current War on Terror, have and are placing their lives on the line for our great nation. Finally, for me, as the son of a man who faithfully served our country during the Vietnam War, I am forever thankful. Thank you dad! You are my hero!