How did Veterans Day begin?

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Tuesday's Grand Connection Thought

by Mary May Larmoyeux

Yesterday we celebrated Veterans Day. Did you ever wonder how it began?

According to History.com:  "On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as the Great War. Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars."

Because of  courageous men like my grandfather, dad, and father-in-law, we are a free nation today. But that freedom is not guaranteed for tomorrow. I'm reminded of a quote by Dwight Eisenhower, "In the final choice a soldier's pack is not so heavy as a prisoner's chains."

One of the most interesting people I have ever met was Retired Lt. Colonel Roy Kaden. He flew a top secret mission in the 1950s; his family did not know about this until 50 years later. Like to know more? Read "Just Another Day for an American Hero." You and your grandchild might want to read this together, or you could e-mail or text your grandchild the link.

How did your family celebrate Veterans Day? How can we honor our veterans every day?

Have a great week!
Mary
www.marymaywrites.com
www.grandconnection.org

Photo and Post © 2013 Mary May Larmoyeux. All rights reserved.