As we approach Veterans Day we are reminded that as a nation at war there are troops serving overseas and in our own country waiting to see their families, waiting to come home. The families they have left behind, the lives waiting for them to come back to are strong images of the reality of war and the importance of Veterans Day. Since the beginning of the War in Iraq and the War in Afghanistan 100 Wisconsin soldiers have died. May their families find peace and the rest of our soldiers come home soon. For now we honor and remember with them Veterans Day.
Veterans Day began as a remembrance of the 11 hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month, the time of armistice when the Allied nations and Germany held a cease fire during World War I. Although the war officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in France, Nov. 11 has become Veterans Day. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 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..."
Throughout the next several decades Armistice Day became Veterans Day through Congress and several Presidents; finally the date of Nov. 11 was officially named Veterans Day. Veterans Day continues to be observed on Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11 not only preserved the historical significance of the date, but helped focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Take time during your Veterans Day to remember those who have served, those who have died, and those who continue to fight for the way of life we enjoy in Wisconsin and our Nation. For more information on services available to Veterans in Wisconsin please contact my office at (608) 266-6670 or (888) 549-0027 or e-mail at sen.erpenbach@legis.wisconsin.gov.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th Senate District.
Veterans Day began as a remembrance of the 11 hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month, the time of armistice when the Allied nations and Germany held a cease fire during World War I. Although the war officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in France, Nov. 11 has become Veterans Day. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 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..."
Throughout the next several decades Armistice Day became Veterans Day through Congress and several Presidents; finally the date of Nov. 11 was officially named Veterans Day. Veterans Day continues to be observed on Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11 not only preserved the historical significance of the date, but helped focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Take time during your Veterans Day to remember those who have served, those who have died, and those who continue to fight for the way of life we enjoy in Wisconsin and our Nation. For more information on services available to Veterans in Wisconsin please contact my office at (608) 266-6670 or (888) 549-0027 or e-mail at sen.erpenbach@legis.wisconsin.gov.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th Senate District.
