Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect
From History of Veterans Day:
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “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 and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
On this day, I salute the courageous men and women have served in order that we might remain free.
Talked to my father — a Korea-era Air Force veteran — yesterday. He still calls it Armistice Day.
Posted by James Young | Thursday, November 11, 2010, 8:56 pm