Somehow, the Beatles came to me this week. I was thinking about the holiday on November 11, 2024 and various thoughts ran through my head. First was that I don't post on Mondays, and second that I could always publish about Yesterday (EMI, 1965). Well, November 11 was yesterday, but so too were so many memories, cataclysms, and heroes.
We cannot change yesterday. But we can remember it.
Who recalls why November 11 is important or was chosen? The date seems random. Unlike so many U.S. holidays, this one sticks to the actual date rather than rolling to a random Monday. We celebrate this one, well many of us celebrate this one, on a specific date.
The Veteran's Administration explains the significance. Following the "War to end all wars," there was a remembrance movement. That was not new, many wars had inspired memorials, recognitions, and remembrance. But, that was a World War, our first. It ended in 1918, not so very long ago.
The age of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence had not dawned. Some casualties could not be identified. A movement arranged for the burial in Arlington of the "unknown soldier," and similar internments were accomplished in England and France. The ceremonies were held on November 11, 1921. That date commemorated the end of the "War to end all wars."
That war ended "at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month)." The effort was to remember those many who had suffered the challenges of combat in an incredibly complex, widespread, and unprecedented violence. There was celebration that there would be no further war ("end all wars").
Those contemporaries were sincere. Wrong. But sincere. They believed that the world had learned its terrible lesson. They sought succor for their loss in remembering those casualties, and in committing to not repeating the horror. And that "day became known as 'Armistice Day.'” In 1947, after the next "war to end all wars," the term "Veterans Day" was coined.
There is significance in November 11. We celebrate it each year. It is a recognition of the vagaries of war, the casualties, and more broadly the amazing and diverse population of men and women who serve in the armed forces here and abroad.
For a glimpse at the number of Americans who have fallen in war over the last 250 years, see Nitazenes are Worse (June 2024). War is destructive. However, more Americans have died of drug overdose than in all our wars combined. But yesterday we honored the veterans.
Memorial Day is for the fallen. See A Day to Reflect (May 2022). Veterans Day is broader. It is for them all. Whether officer or enlisted, serving in Kansas or a war zone, briefly or for a career, Veterans Day is for all of those who sacrifice to defend this country, but more importantly us. They stand between us and a litany of evil and malevolence that constantly threatens us.
We too often forget them. It is nice to hear them mentioned. I like it when the gate agent calls the "active duty" to board the plane first. I enjoy it when the announcer at the ball game takes a moment to "recognize the men and women of the armed forces." Here in Paradise you hear recognition often. This is a Navy town and always will be.
But regardless of location, there are opportunities every day to thank those who served. November 11 is nonetheless a great and specific moment, but it is not exclusive.
A great many businesses close for Veterans Day. But some businesses simply ignore it. Consider that if it were not for those Veterans we would not have the freedom and discretion to make such choices.
Did you attend a parade yesterday? Did you send someone a card? Did you take the minute required to simply say to someone "Thank you for your service?"
Return to the point above. There are opportunities every day. Veterans Day is a great opportunity, but any day will work. The next time you see a bumper sticker, cap, or t-shirt proclaiming service, simply say "Thank you." It costs you nothing. It symbolizes gratitude. It means everything.