By Brooke King, Staff Writer
Every year on November 11, Veterans Day is seen as just another national holiday, but to Veterans and those who serve now in the Armed Forces, it serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom.
The original Veterans Day was called Armistice Day, a day to commemorate the end of World War I. However, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd Congress changed the word “Armistice” to the word “Veterans.” The legislation was passed on June 1, 1954, to officially make November 11, a national holiday to honor the American veterans of all wars. Since its original signing into legislation, regardless of the day that November 11th falls on in the week, the holiday is to be observed as a preservation of the patriotic and historical significance of Veterans. The day is a celebration to honor American soldiers whose patriotism, service to their country, sacrifice for freedom and the common good, was given willingly.
Every year on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery, a ceremony is held at precisely 11 a.m.at the Tomb of the Unknowns, where a wreath is laid by the President of the United States to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces.
President Obama released this statement on March 19, 2009, “For their service and sacrifice, warm words of thanks from a grateful nation are more than warranted, but they aren’t nearly enough. We also owe our veterans the care they were promised and the benefits that they have earned. We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. It’s a commitment that begins at enlistment, and it must never end. But we know that for too long, we’ve fallen short of meeting that commitment. Too many wounded warriors go without the care that they need. Too many veterans don’t receive the support that they’ve earned. Too many who once wore our nation’s uniform now sleep in our nation’s streets.”
Though much is being done in the way of providing for the Veterans of the Armed Forces in legislation by the new administration, honoring those who have served is being resurrected as well. On this day of remembrance and honor, activities all around the nation took place. Saint Leo University, with its strong military commitment to educational excellence, conducted a military sculpture dedication ceremony that was held on November 11 at 7 p.m. in Dempsey Plaza on the university campus, with fireworks over Lake Jovita after the conclusion of the ceremony.
For further information about the dedication ceremony and other campus related Veterans Day activities, see the Campus Life (News and Events) section on the Saint Leo website.
