History Short: Veterans Day (and more!)

Veterans Day . . . November 11th

On November 11, 1918, representatives of France, Britain, and Germany met in a railroad car to sign an armistice (truce) that ended World War I. The cease-fire took effect at 11:00 a.m. that day. It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

After 4 long years of the most horrific fighting the world had yet known, the guns fell silent.

WWI left nearly 9 million soldiers dead and another 21 million wounded. The civilian count is unknown.

For many years November 11th was known as 'Armistice Day' to honor those who fought in World War I. In 1954 Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all Veterans.

Author, Kurt Vonnegut - whose birthday, coincidentally, was November 11th - mused about this name change from 'Armistice Day' to 'Veterans Day.' He wondered if it indicated a shift from a celebration of the laying down of arms to a celebration of picking them up. It does make one wonder.

Every November 11th, at 11:00 a.m. the nation pays tribute to its war dead with the laying of a presidential wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington DC.

If you have not seen the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it's a trip well worth the time. It's more than impressive, solemn and beautiful. A place of reverence, to be sure.

Since we're on the topic of patriotic holidays . . . Let's cover a few more that we've recently celebrated:

National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk . . . October 14th

By Presidential Proclamation, October 14th was recently declared as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. October 14th was Charlie's birthday.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 10, 2025, evil struck when Charlie was assassinated in broad daylight in a campus courtyard in Utah. Going forward, our Nation will have a dedicated day to honor Charlie and his legacy.

Oddly enough, October 14th is also recognized as National Dessert Day. The exact origins of this unofficial holiday are unknown, but it's generally meant to be a day to enjoy desserts, try new recipes, and share sweet treats with friends.

Rumor has it that Charlie loved pancakes - which are probably somewhere on the dessert spectrum. So perhaps a good October 14th tradition could be to start the day with some pancakes while saying a prayer for Charlie and his family.

God Bless you, Charlie!  💗 🇺🇸

Constitution Day . . . September 17th

"WE THE PEOPLE'' Our Founding Fathers chose three important words to begin one of our most treasured documents, our Constitution, the Supreme Law of This Land. It shows the purpose and principals we are to be governed by and guarantees our fundamental freedoms. It was signed on September 17th, 1787.

Constitution Day is as important as the 4th of July, when we celebrate our Independence.

Be thankful. Thank God that we live in the greatest country in the world, and for the Blessings of Freedom that our Founders secured for us! We must protect and defend it, always! 🇺🇸

God Bless you America!!  💗 🇺🇸

Labor Day . . . celebrated on the first Monday of September

Labor Day became a Federal Holiday in 1894.

It's a day to celebrate American workers, the strength and the backbone of our country.

We can achieve greatness and success if we are willing to work hard, and, if we can continue to enjoy the fruits of our own labors with the free-market system of capitalism. One that values private property and individual rights.

America has flourished under this system for over 200 + years. Why? Because individuals know best how to manage their own resources and make decisions that benefit them.

We're all Blessed to live in the greatest country in the world!

God Bless you America!!  💗 🇺🇸 🇺🇸