Honoring our veterans

 

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.  This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverance for America's veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as "Armistice Day."
                                                                                                       
Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was "the war to end all wars," November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe.  Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,200 in battle.                                                                                  

The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans Day," which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas Proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide.       

On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. The remains from Vietnam were exhumed May 14, 1998, identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Micheal Joseph Blassie, and removed for burial. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.    

Take a moment this Veteran's Day weekend to honor those who have served in this great country. We often use the word "hero" flippantly. A true hero is not one who scores the winning touchdown on Sunday. The men and women who have fought for us...they are true heroes.

Cruise Planners offers fantastic discounts and deals to our veterans. Active, retired, honorably discharged, whatever the case may be, we have the greatest offers for our veterans. If you are, or know someone who is a veteran or active military, contact us today and we will give you all the details!

God bless our veterans!