This Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the “war to end all wars.” In 1918, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, the Armistice took effect. It was the ceasing of hostilities between the Allied Forces and Germany.  

On the first anniversary of the Armistice, President Woodrow Wilson issued a statement reflecting on the war with hopeful tones for the future. In the 1920s, Armistice Day was declared a national holiday.  Congress’ resolution passed in 1926 stated “it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” After World War II, Congress changed “Armistice” to “Veterans” to honor all who served in the military, not only those from World War I. 

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower “called on the nation to remember the sacrifices of those who fought in all our nation’s wars, to celebrate the contributions of all veterans of military service, and to rededicate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace.” It is Eisenhower’s call that remains the three-fold purpose of Veterans’ Day: remembering those who fought and died, celebrating all veterans and promoting an enduring peace.

The past 100 years have not seen an end to wars and armed conflicts. Selfishness, greed and fear continue to feed the flames of violence as they have for millennia. Only the magnitude of destructive power has changed. The strong call for peace after World War I came about because of the carnage that was evident in that war. 

Until there is a true and lasting peace, we thank those who were willing, and those who continue to be willing, to stand on the line between order and chaos. The freedom we enjoy comes at a price from those who protect it. 

Let us also work and pray for enduring peace. It has been a dream in our lifetimes but also since the beginning of time. Isaiah envisioned a time when “they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. John Tabaka is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe.