To Our Veterans

Thank you for the service you have and continue to give. When you signed up to protect our country, you were willing to give your life for it. Many have. This isn't a light matter to me. My Grandpa Madsen served many years during WWII and beyond, and nearly did give his life. My brother-in-law is in the Air Force. I have other family members and friends who are serving in the military in one way or another.


Today is the anniversary of the Armistice of WWI, which ended that first world war 91 years ago. Hostilities ended on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour when the Germans signed the Armistice. Years later, Congress asked the President to officially recognize November 11th as Armistice Day, and an Act was passed making this an official holiday: "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed in the United States to Veterans Day (no apostraphe), so as to include all veterans of any war. In many other countries, the name of 'Armistice Day' was changed to 'Remembrance Day'.

Armistice Day was supposed to recognize the end of "the war to end all wars." Unfortunately, there have been many more wars. Fortunately, we still have those who are willing to give their life for their country and for the freedoms we enjoy.