Honoring Our Veterans

History

Veterans Day, celebrated November 11 each year, recognizes the brave men and women who have served our country in the military.  Originally named Armistice Day, November 11, 1919, was set aside as a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson to commemorate the end of World War I.  Although the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, marked the official end of the War, Armistice Day celebrated the agreed cease fire which occurred in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.  This day has been referred to as the end of "the war to end all wars."  On May 13, 1938, Congress approved the observance of November 11 as the legally-observed day for Armistice Day. 

In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, Congress decided to expand Armistice Day to honor all of the heroic war veterans who have served in the military.  On June 1, 1954, the 83rd Congress amended the 1938 Act by striking the name “Armistice” and replacing it with “Veterans.” 

President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the Act of Congress and said about Veterans Day:

“On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us re-consecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” 

Idaho's Veterans

Perhaps the best way to express our gratitude to these champions of freedom is to heed their words.  Marine Reservist Staff Sergeant Luke Miller, from Boise, earned the Non-Commissioned Officer Association Military Vanguard Award and the Bronze Star for saving his fellow Marines’ lives in Iraq.  He says:

“As I reflect on what it means to be a veteran, I think of my fellow Marines and military personnel with whom I shared those experiences. They are like brothers to me; we are bonded forever by the events that we went through together."

"I hope that this Veterans Day, my fellow Veterans feel the same pride that I feel.  If you wore a uniform for our country, take a moment to pause and be proud. What you did mattered and matters still.  If you are not a veteran, take pride in the men and women of our Armed Services.  Shake the hand of a veteran and thank them.  The sacrifice was great, but the reward of living in a country such as ours is greater still.”

Major Vaughn Ward, a Magic Valley native, was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. Part of Ward’s assignment was to protect the local Iraqi Police Headquarters in Fallujah, one of the most dangerous locations in Iraq.
Of Veterans Day, he says:

"Since 1918, the U.S. has observed November 11th as a time to honor the men and women who have served or are serving our great nation in the armed forces. Today our country is at war and thousands of families have loved ones serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries around the world. When I was in Iraq last year, nothing brightened our day like reading hand-written cards from children or adults expressing their heartfelt thanks. These precious links to home were posted in the hallways of where we lived and they always lifted our spirits. Our servicemen and servicewomen perform heroic deeds every day and these supportive notes let them know that America loves its military and that they are not alone. During this Veterans Day, I ask that Idahoans send a personal note to any relative or friend serving in Afghanistan or Iraq and tell them, "Thank you for your service. You are in our prayers and we believe that you are winning."

I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much on the behalf of those of us who live in America.  These men and women are numbered among the greatest of us all and exude the bravery and integrity this country was founded upon.  I thank and honor them and their families who have given so much.  I know the rest of Idaho, and the country, does the same.