Rep. Richardson on Veterans Day

In 1926, the United States Congress, in a concurrent resolution to officially recognize the end of World War I, called it "the most destructive, sanguinary and far reaching" war in human history.  It was regarded as The Great War, the war to end all wars. 

The modern Veterans Day came out of World War I.  It was originally called Armistice Day, celebrated at the time a temporary cessation of hostilities (armistice) went into effect on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month.  Even today, we recognize all veterans on Nov. 11, often engaging in a moment of silence at 11 a.m. 

The resolution proclaiming Armistice Day expressed hope that World War I would live up to its claim as the war to end all wars and prove to be America's final violent conflict, hinting that because of this enduring peace, our soldiers did not fight and die in vain. 

Years later, at the urging of veterans' organizations, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the 83^rd Congress struck the word 'Armistice' and replaced it with "Veterans."  By that time, World War II and the Korean War proved that the war to end all wars was not the most "far reaching" or gory, let alone the last war America would see.  The newly named holiday would honor all veterans and veterans' organizations. 

The term "veteran" is of Latin origin, meaning a person of long experience or skill.  Americans gave the word its present-day significance after the American Revolution, when it came to mean a former soldier who fought for independence.  Today, the word "veteran" refers to any former member of the armed forces or a person who served in the military. 

Today, more than 25 million Americans carry the honorable title of veteran.  These brave men and women served during war and peace, dating back to The Great War from which Veterans Day originated.  Every surviving veteran of World War I is more than 100 years old.  According the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are fewer than 200 left in the world, and, as of Nov. 2006, only 14 in America.  Soon, we will lose these courageous centurions who lived through several major wars after fighting and surviving World War I.   Think of everything they have seen in their lives. 

It might seem that Nov. 11 is a failure of a holiday that was originally meant to promise what seems impossible to us today - peace.  

President George W. Bush relayed the following message from an American soldier in Iraq during a 2005 speech at Arlington National Cemetery:

"We in the military signed up and pledged to protect this great country of ours from enemies foreign and domestic.  We're fighting so that the next generation might never have to experience anything like September 11, 2001." 

November 11 is not a failed holiday.  It is not a failed promise of peace.  Veterans Day is as applicable and significant today as it was when we called it Armistice Day, because the hope and the goal are the same: peace.  If anything, today we understand better that peace is attainable but often fleeting, and it is always worth fighting for.

Across the country citizens will take part in ceremonies to honor our veterans.  Whether you join with neighbors to celebrate this nearly 100-year-old tradition or not, be sure to remember with a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. this Sunday.

Rep. Richardson encourages local constituents to contact her with questions or concerns through e-mail at h29@in.gov, or by calling the Statehouse toll-free at 1-800-382-9841.  It is also possible to write her at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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