“We have a sacred trust to those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. … Our Nation’s servicemen and women are our best and brightest, enlisting in times of peace and war, serving with honor under the most difficult circumstances, and making sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine … I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers … . I call on all Americans … and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.”
— President Barack Obama
Veterans Day 2010 Proclamation
The desire to honor veterans of the nation’s military is not a new phenomenon. It is as old as the nation itself. There has never been a time in United States history — from the Revolutionary War era to the present — when citizens have failed to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans. Indeed, while a presidential proclamation suggesting that veterans be honored is welcome, it is not necessary. Americans willingly salute veterans and take considerable and understandable pride in doing so.
For decades services and events honoring veterans were mostly a local affair. Communities across the country staged events at various times during the year to commemorate those who served in both war and peace. That changed after World War I, when legislation created Armistice Day on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the armistice that ended what was called the “War to End All Wars.” Subsequent history proved the fallacy of that label.
In 1954, following the horrors of World War II and the Korean Conflict, federal legislation changed the name of the observance to Veterans Day to encompass veterans of all the nation’s wars. It remains so to this day.
There is sometimes confusion between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. There should not be. Memorial Day honors those who died in service to the nation or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Deceased veterans are remembered, of course, on Veterans Day but it is primarily a time to thank and honor living veterans. All of us should take time to do so.
Area residents can join official Veterans Day observances today at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at Bailey and Holtzclaw Avenues. A musical prelude begins at 10:30 a.m. to be followed by a program at 11. Some might prefer a more personal remembrance. That’s fine. A moment of silence and heartfelt reflection about those who have served and who are serving honors both the spirit and intent of the day.
One need not be a supporter of the nation’s current military involvement to honor veterans. This is a day to salute veterans; it is not a day to make a political statement. It is firmly in the American tradition to publicly honor those in uniform while adamantly opposing the conflict that requires their service.