A time for thanks On Memorial Day, we pause to remember those
who died in service to our nation. On Veterans Day – today – we
honor the 25 million who served the United States in the armed
forces. But the meaning of this day goes much deeper. It was on
the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month World War I came
to an end in 1918. This tragic episode in human history claimed
the lives of 20 million. And when it was over, the day became a
holiday in the victorious nations to honor those who sacrificed
their lives for peace. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the
first Armistice Day in 1919. In 1954, President Dwight
Eisenhower signed into law Veterans Day, so those who served in
World War II would be honored. We are called upon today to
recognize those living among us who have served, and the number
of veterans who served in World War II grows smaller and smaller
each day. While we can, let us take this opportunity to salute
them especially, and to thank them for their service.