From President Obama's Presidential Proclamation:
On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strengthen the bond between Nation and her warriors.
In an unbroken line of valor stretching across more than two centuries, our veterans have charged into harm’s way, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, to protect the freedoms that have blessed America. Whether Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, they are our Nation’s finest citizens, and they have shown the heights to which Americans can rise when asked and inspired to do so. Our courageous troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe have earned their place alongside previous generations of great Americans, serving selflessly, tour after tour, in conflicts spanning nearly a decade.
Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans continue to serve our country as public servants and mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the battlefield, but also in communities from coast to coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to their homes and families.
America’s sons and daughters have not watched over her shores or her citizens for public recognition, fanfare, or parades. They have preserved our way of life with unwavering patriotism and quiet courage, and ours is a debt of honor to care for them and their families. These obligations do not end after their time of service, and we must fulfill our sacred trust to care for our veterans after they retire their uniforms.
As a grateful Nation, we are humbled by the sacrifices rendered by our service members and their families out of the deepest sense of service and love of country. On Veterans Day, let us remember our solemn obligations to our veterans, and recommit to upholding the enduring principles that our country lives for, and that our fellow citizens have fought and died for.
World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day holiday. In 1938, the U.S. Congress made Armistice Day a legal Federal holiday. In 1954, Congress amended the Armistice Day act, renaming the holiday as Veterans Day. In 1971, the holiday was moved briefly to the fourth Monday of October, but in 1978, it was returned to the original November 11th date. In other parts of the world, this holiday is celebrated as Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day -- the red poppy has become a familiar emblem due to the poem In Flanders Fields) or Armistice Day.
On a related patriotic note, today is the anniversary of the first time that "God Bless America" was sung. Irving Berlin wrote this song for Kate Smith, who first sang it during her regular radio broadcast on November 11, 1938. Today would also have been General George S. Patton's 125th birthday.
Also, on this date in 1889, Washington became our 42nd state. This is also Polish Independence Day, celebrating the anniversary of their independent rule, in 1918, after more than 100 years of control by Prussia, Austria, and Russia.
On a more frivilous note, November 11th is annually Guinness World Records' Day.
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