While most people enjoy the long weekend as the kick off of summer vacations, I hope they remember the reason for the holiday and the sacrifices made to protect our freedom.
Memorial Day Service
Picture of the Day for November 11, 2023
Today we honor our military veterans of the United States Armed Forces and thank them for their service protecting our country.
Honoring the Veterans
Picture of the Day for May 30, 2022
The rain held off so that the local American Legion did not get wet today as they presented the Memorial Day services at area cemeteries.
Remembering the Sacrifice
Picture of the Day for November 11, 2021
Today is Veterans Day, which is a day to honor and thank the military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. It was originally celebrated as Armistice Day after the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.
Thanking Veterans
Picture of the Day for November 11, 2017
A decade after what started out as Armistice Day, remembering the armistice agreement ending World War I, Congress made it an official holiday dedicated to world peace. Since World War I didn’t end all wars, President Eisenhower signed a bill changing the name of Armistice Day to the more inclusive Veterans Day, a holiday to thank all who had served the United States of America. And so on this 11th day in November, we say thanks to all the men and women who have served to protect our country.
Remembering Veterans
Picture of the Day for May 29, 2017
Many people visited cemeteries or memorials today to honor and remember the people who died while serving in the armed forces. The local American Legion Post visited and presented a program at the cemeteries in my area. So hopefully people remembered the real reason for today’s holiday – that it isn’t just a day off to have fun, but that people gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
Remembering the Ultimate Sacrifice
Picture of the Day for November 11, 2016
Today on this Veterans Day, we remember all persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning—the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918.
Veterans Day
Picture of the Day for November 11, 2015
Today is Veterans Days, which celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. The federal holiday originally was called Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of World War I when the Armistice with Germany went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans” to honor all United States Armed Forces veterans and it has been known as Veterans Day since.
Today is also the 75th anniversary of the Armistice Day Blizzard (before the holiday was called Veterans Day) which impacted the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. The morning of November 11, 1940 brought with it unseasonably high temperatures so many duck hunter took advantage of the nice day. When the weather turned quickly, most of the hunters were not prepared for the snowfalls of up to 27 inches, winds of 50 to 80 mph, 20-foot snow drifts and the temperature drop of 50 degrees and many froze to death. A total of 145 deaths were blamed on the storm, which included crew from three freighters on Lake Michigan.
Today a strong Veterans Day storm is impacting the same area, 75 years later, but at least there is improved weather forecasting and the nearly two inches of precipitation will be in the form of rain and not two feet of snow.
Remembering Our Veterans
Picture of the Day for May 25, 2015
Recently Wisconsin State Road 128 was named and dedicated as the 128th Infantry Memorial Highway to honor the service of the members of the 128th Infantry Brigade (formed during the American Civil War) who served in World War I, World War II and in Iraq. The highway passes through the heart of the area where units of the 128th Infantry are located. Part of the dedication was a 22 mile march made by area veterans to bring awareness to the number of American veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and who subsequently commit suicide, which average 22 each day.
So on this Memorial Day, among the cookouts and activities, I hope every one stops and remembers the real reason behind this holiday and the sacrifices of life, from war and because of war, from the men and women serving and protecting our country.
Remembering the Fallen Veterans
