thedrifter
11-07-06, 01:22 PM
November 13, 2006
Remind others of the true purpose of Nov. 11
By Ken Lynch
On Nov. 11, 1918, the Germans surrendered to the Allies in the Forest of Compiegne, thus ending what was then known as the Great War. (Little did they know there would be a sequel little more than 20 years later.)
The following November, President Wilson declared that Armistice Day would henceforth be observed in honor of those who had fallen during the “war to end all wars.”
After World War II, the town of Emporia, Kan., changed “Armistice” to “Veterans” Day. The idea was to honor all those who had served in the armed forces rather than only those who’d fought during World War I.
As the years went by, the idea of setting a day aside for veterans slowly took hold throughout the nation. In 1954, Congress made the name change official, as President Eisenhower called on all Americans to observe the day. But it took until 1971 for President Nixon to declare it an official federal holiday.
In the years since, we’ve seen it become little more than an excuse to hold blowout sales on everything from bed linen to used cars. Ceremonies marking the day have bogged down in the madcap frenzy of pre-Christmas commercialism.
In fact, what was once a universal day off has turned into pretty much a “federal government employees only” respite.
I don’t have a problem with this, per se, if it were still recognized for the solemn event that it is.
After all, it should be much more than sleeping in late and watching “SpongeBob SquarePants” in your pajamas while wolfing down a bowl of chocolate-frosted sugar bombs.
Unfortunately, many people don’t even know what Veterans Day is about. As a part-time schoolteacher, I had the occasion to be working last Nov. 11. I was flabbergasted when the morning announcements proclaimed Veterans Day merely a “day to recognize older people who had a lot of experience.”
What? Now, I don’t wish to denigrate Grandpa’s fly-fishing prowess and, boy howdy, ain’t it cool that Great Aunt Sadie can knit a blanket with her feet, but come on! Since when is bowling a perfect game the same as convoy duty in Iraq? Quick answer: It’s not.
As a result of the announcer’s misinformation, I spent the balance of the day quizzing my students on whether they knew what put the “veteran” in Veterans Day. I was depressed by their appalling lack of knowledge; very few of them understood what the fuss was about. But you can bet they knew who the front-runner was on “American Idol.”
So, I call on all of us who know better to teach others about Veterans Day. Urge those around you to take a moment to remember our veterans and those who are still in harm’s way.
You don’t have to go to a flag-raising ceremony, attend a parade or even buy one of those “Buddy Poppies” (although I do, because I enjoy talking to those Veterans of Foreign Wars guys). You don’t have to agree on this war or that war, and you certainly don’t have to watch “Sands of Iwo Jima” at attention.
If nothing else, reflect on the service of all those who have worn, and continue to wear, our nation’s uniform. From Lexington to Baghdad, they deserve our respect and our thanks.
As a veteran myself, I salute them all.
The writer is a retired limited-duty officer with 27 years of service. His e-mail address is alpenwasser@hotmail.com.
Ellie
Remind others of the true purpose of Nov. 11
By Ken Lynch
On Nov. 11, 1918, the Germans surrendered to the Allies in the Forest of Compiegne, thus ending what was then known as the Great War. (Little did they know there would be a sequel little more than 20 years later.)
The following November, President Wilson declared that Armistice Day would henceforth be observed in honor of those who had fallen during the “war to end all wars.”
After World War II, the town of Emporia, Kan., changed “Armistice” to “Veterans” Day. The idea was to honor all those who had served in the armed forces rather than only those who’d fought during World War I.
As the years went by, the idea of setting a day aside for veterans slowly took hold throughout the nation. In 1954, Congress made the name change official, as President Eisenhower called on all Americans to observe the day. But it took until 1971 for President Nixon to declare it an official federal holiday.
In the years since, we’ve seen it become little more than an excuse to hold blowout sales on everything from bed linen to used cars. Ceremonies marking the day have bogged down in the madcap frenzy of pre-Christmas commercialism.
In fact, what was once a universal day off has turned into pretty much a “federal government employees only” respite.
I don’t have a problem with this, per se, if it were still recognized for the solemn event that it is.
After all, it should be much more than sleeping in late and watching “SpongeBob SquarePants” in your pajamas while wolfing down a bowl of chocolate-frosted sugar bombs.
Unfortunately, many people don’t even know what Veterans Day is about. As a part-time schoolteacher, I had the occasion to be working last Nov. 11. I was flabbergasted when the morning announcements proclaimed Veterans Day merely a “day to recognize older people who had a lot of experience.”
What? Now, I don’t wish to denigrate Grandpa’s fly-fishing prowess and, boy howdy, ain’t it cool that Great Aunt Sadie can knit a blanket with her feet, but come on! Since when is bowling a perfect game the same as convoy duty in Iraq? Quick answer: It’s not.
As a result of the announcer’s misinformation, I spent the balance of the day quizzing my students on whether they knew what put the “veteran” in Veterans Day. I was depressed by their appalling lack of knowledge; very few of them understood what the fuss was about. But you can bet they knew who the front-runner was on “American Idol.”
So, I call on all of us who know better to teach others about Veterans Day. Urge those around you to take a moment to remember our veterans and those who are still in harm’s way.
You don’t have to go to a flag-raising ceremony, attend a parade or even buy one of those “Buddy Poppies” (although I do, because I enjoy talking to those Veterans of Foreign Wars guys). You don’t have to agree on this war or that war, and you certainly don’t have to watch “Sands of Iwo Jima” at attention.
If nothing else, reflect on the service of all those who have worn, and continue to wear, our nation’s uniform. From Lexington to Baghdad, they deserve our respect and our thanks.
As a veteran myself, I salute them all.
The writer is a retired limited-duty officer with 27 years of service. His e-mail address is alpenwasser@hotmail.com.
Ellie