VETERAN'S DAY

On November 11, 1921, an unknown American soldier from World War I was buried in Arlington National Cemetery , in recognition of WWI veterans and in conjunction with the timing of cessation of hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month).

Then US President Warren Harding requested that: " All ... citizens ... indulge in a period of silent thanks to God for these ... valorous lives and of supplication for His Divine mercy ... on our beloved country."

Inscribed on the Tomb of The Unknowns are the words: "Here lies in honored glory an A merican soldier know but to God."

The day became known as " Armistice Day." In 1954, Congress, wanting to recognize the sacrifice of veterans since WWI, proposed to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in their honor. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, former Supreme Allied Commander in WWII, signed the legislation.

To honor those veterans who sacrificed all, an Army honor guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Division (The Old Guard) keeps day and night vigil (24/7/365) at Arlington National Cemetary. At 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, a combined color guard representing all military service branches executes "Present Arms" at the tomb for the laying of a wreath by the president, followed by "Taps."

More than a million patriots stand ready, or are actively defending our nation today. These men and women were not drafted into service, but VOLUNTEERED to serve.


WHAT IS A VETERAN?
" A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of A merica,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.'
That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that fact."--The Patriot Post


TONY BLAIR'S COMMENTS
On Veteran's Day we recall the words of the former Prime Minister of England, Tony Blair. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in The United States of America, he said:
" A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many people want in... and how many want out.


Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G.I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom."


THE A MERICAN SOLDIER
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
A nd whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
-- Father Dennis Edward O'Brian, USMC

THE MARINE
We all came together,
Both young and old,
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.
In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.
Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the A merican way.
I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.
But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.
I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. M A RINE!
So stand in my shoes,
A nd leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.
Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor,
Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door.
But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done.
By: Corporal A aron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF March 23, 2003


TODAY, VETERANS DAY, PLEASE TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF TO S A Y "THANK YOU" TO A VETERAN FOR HIS OR HER SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.