To Honor Our Veterans

Soldier, rest1 They warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,

Dream of battled fields no more.

Days of danger, nights of waking. 

-Sir Walter Scott

Veterans Day became a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and celebrated as 'Armistice Day.'" This legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

United States Senate Resolution 143, passed on Aug. 4, 2001, designated the week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 17, 2001, as "National Veterans Awareness Week." The resolution calls for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

Take time today to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country and those who currently assist with our protection.

For those unable to travel to the graves of their loved ones, there are websites like FindAGrave.com, where one can create a cyber-monument and leave a "virtual" note or bouquet.