Happy Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day) to my brothers and
sisters in arms - Past, Present and Future!
97 years ago today, the “War to end all wars” came to a
close. In the aftermath of more than 11 million military and 7 million
civilians killed, and another 20 million people wounded, the nations of the
world vowed to do what was best by the people and maintain peace. The next
spring, as a testament to their conviction, the battlefields of France and
Belgium known as “No Man’s Land,” which had hosted the bloodiest fighting of
the war, covered themselves with fields of wild, red poppies. Some say the poppies were white before the
war, but after so much bloodshed, they turned red in tribute to the fallen.
And every year since, the fields have remembered the
sacrifices of all those who fought and died in WWI, and has served as a
reminder to generations, how steep the price of freedom and peace really
is. Sadly, a quick look at history will
show the peace did not last long. Human
nature continues to cloud our memories. Tyrants have risen and fallen at an
awful cost. Since the “War to end all Wars” closed, America alone has fought in
6 major conflicts and countless "minor" ones, not to mention all the other
countries in the world that have fought in their local, regional and global
wars.
In this moment of national turmoil, let us remember those
who have gone before and “sacrificed their tomorrows for our todays,” the
living and the dead. Let us remember why we have the right to speak out, and
have our voice heard. Let us remember
that without them, we would not enjoy the freedom many of us take for granted.
On the 11th minute of the 11th hour of
the 11th day of the 11th month, we have the opportunity
to be still and at peace as we take a moment of silence for our veterans. Enjoy
that moment.
Tomorrow, let's get back to work and unify and galvanize the
country. Let’s restore it to its former
greatness, for we are the only ones who can…
https://youtu.be/Kqba0IUdiBk?t=2m20s
