Why do we celebrate Veterans Day ?
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Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: "A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good..."
In honoring the men and women who have given of themselves in the service of our country I have traditionally in years past provided historical referances as to how "Veterans Day" came to be and what this day means to the Land of the free and the Home of the Brave. This year after giving this special holiday careful consideration I have decided that the very best way to honor our service men and women is through the universal language of Music and Prose. Poetry or prose is really the collection of inspired words set to melody and I can find no more inspiring words and music than those which have come out of our country's own musical Hymns and Anthems. For example I have always loved the words to the song: "America the Beautiful" but I really never realized that there was more to it than the opening verse which we've all heard or sang along to at sporting events and such. I was totally amazed to learn that there are actually multiple verses to this and other patriotic favorites whose words I found to be both meaningful and inspiring.
That is why this year I've been guided to share six of the best known and loved American songs in their full multi-verse lyrical content along with the music so that all may sing or just read these meaningful words accompanied by the musical score of each. As you review these words become aware of the imagery and feelings that they create within you then perhaps take a minute or a moment of silence afterward to send a prayer of gratitude to our honorable Veteran's many of whom gave their all to preserve the freedoms, values and privilages we hold so precious today. I hope this presentation touches a meaningful chord of gratitude within you for all our men and women in armed services.
Mahalo nui Aloha, God Bless You, Michael AngelOh
History of Veterans Day
"Giving Honor Giving Thanks"
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In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. A day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day. Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."
On that same day, the President sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, "Administrator of Veterans Affairs" (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee. During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery. By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day Poem
"THERE IS A PLACE" by M.J.M. ©1999
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Somewhere there's a place I know,
where love and death are entertwined.
I'll remember that you were mine,
When'er I find that place to go.
But it may be a long, long while,
And maybe you won't remember me.
But even long those years may be,
I love the way you made me smile.
Remembering the fun we've had,
The times we shared and places gone.
Even now I see your face upon the lawn,
Where we once traded rings,
Oh sad That I may be,
I would not have given Up those moments once so true.
I treasure in my secret spot, the you.
I had and still have in my heart,
Driven By moments that ne'er will be faced,
By others who didn't know you,
Or those who couldn't show you,
Shall never, ever be replaced.
So in my secret spot you stay,
And I will keep you in my heart.
For deep within we'll never part,
Not just for now but every day.
Veterans Day Poem
"THE WALL" by H.D. Hughes
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They walk along the granite block, past names all etched in stone.
Among so many others here, but feel so all alone...
So many here to touch a soul, that passed so long ago.
And tears now streak from off your cheek, emotions, have to show...
There are so many people here, who wish the pain to end.
Why not reach out a hand to them, to listen, be a friend...
The Wall can bridge the largest gap, it made our nation one.
We thank the nurses one and all, and every soldier, son...
Whose names we see forever etched, upon the granite stone.
Though painful make us realize, that we are not alone...
The sacrifice, that you all made, that bring us to this shrine.
Bring all those closer, left behind, perhaps the grand design...
To help the friends and family, to understand the call.
That took your names from off lifes list, and place it on this Wall...
You fought a war, unpopular, in Nam so far away.
And now you've found the greatest peace, as we stand here and pray...
Beyond the Wall we hope to find, the reason for it all.
Why you with pride went far away, to answer duty's call...
Perhaps the flag that others burn, became your symbol proud.
Why you gave life, proclaim your love, of country, very loud...
So rest in peace, my Warrior, my nurse and doctor too.
And rest assured forever more, we'll all remember you...
The Wall means much to everyone, these names on granite cast.
To keep your memories alive, as long as time will last...
So look upon the granite face, and touch the names with pride.
For all their spirits linger there, beyond the Wall, inside...
This verse was placed in "The National Archives" on September 30, 1993
Veteran's Day Poem
"VETERAN'S DAY TRIBUTE" by Joanna Fuchs
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When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.
They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.
They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.
Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.
We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.
So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.
Veterans Day Patriotic Songs
"THE STAR SPANGELED BANNER"
Our National Anthem by Francis Scott Key
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( 1st Verse )
O say, can you see,
by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed,
at the twilight's last gleaming.
Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched,
were so gallantly streaming..!
And the rockets' red glare,
the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night,
that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave.
O'er the land of the free,
and the home of the brave...
( 2nd Verse )
On the shore dimly seen,
through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host,
in dread silence reposes.
What is that which the breeze,
o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows,
now conceals, now discloses...
Now it catches the gleam,
of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected,
now shines on the stream.
'Tis the star-spangled banner,
O long may it wave.
O'er the land of the free,
and the home of the brave..!
( 3rd Verse )
And where is that band,
who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war,
and the battle's confusion.
A home and a country,
should leave us no more.
Their blood has washed out,
their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save,
the hireling and slave.
From the terror of flight,
or the gloom of the grave.
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave.
O'er the land of the free,
and the home of the brave..!
Veterans Day Patriotic Songs
"LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH" by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller
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Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth,
the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father,
brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me.
Let this be the moment now,
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment,
and live each moment,
in peace, eternally.
Let there be peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me.
Veterans Day Patriotic Songs
"AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" by Katharine Lee Bates and Samuel Ward
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( 1st Verse )
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties,
Above the fruited plain..!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good,
with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea..!
( 2nd Verse )
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress.
A thoroughfare of freedom beat,
Across the wilderness.
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw.
Confirm thy soul,
in self-control,
Thy liberty in law..!
( 3rd Verse )
O beautiful for heroes proved,
In liberating strife.
Who more than self,
their country loved,
And mercy more than life..!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine..!
( 4th Verse )
O beautiful for patriot dream,
That sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears..!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee.
And crown thy good,
with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea..!
( 5th Verse )
O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain.
For purple mountain majesties,
Above the enameled plain..!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee.
Till souls wax fair,
as earth and air,
And music-hearted sea..!
( 6th Verse )
O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress.
A thoroughfare for freedom beat,
Across the wilderness.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee.
Till paths be wrought,
through wilds of thought,
By pilgrim foot and knee..!
( 17th Verse )
O beautiful for glory-tale,
Of liberating strife.
When once and twice,
for man's avail,
Men lavished precious life..!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee.
Till selfish gain,
no longer stain,
The banner of the free..!
( 8th Verse )
O beautiful for patriot dream,
That sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears..!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee.
Till nobler men,
keep once again,
Thy whiter jubilee..!
Veterans Day Patriotic Songs
"GOD BLESS AMERICA" by Irving Berlin
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( 1st Verse )
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her,
and guide her,
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains,
to the prairies,
To the oceans,
white with foam.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
( 2nd Verse )
While the storm clouds gather,
far across the sea.
Let us swear allegiance,
to a land that's free.
Let us all be grateful,
for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices,
in a solemn prayer.To the oceans,
white with foam.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
Veterans Day Patriotic Songs
"MY COUNTRY TIS OF THEE" by Samuel Francis Smith
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( 1st Verse )
My country tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died.
Land of the Pilgrim's pride.
From every mountain side.
Let freedom ring..!
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture fills,
Like that above...
( 2nd Verse )
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees,
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake,
Let all that breathe partake,
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.
Our father's God to, Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom's holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King..!
Please consider sharing these inspiring songs with others...
Mahalo nui loa, Michael AngelOh
Veterans Day Quotes and Sayings
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"Peace is the healing and the elevating influence of the world."
~Woodrow Wilson
"Peace is more the product of our day-to-day living than of a spectacular program, intermittently executed..."
~Dwight D. Eisenhower
"Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures..."
~John F. Kennedy
"On every stone is written, names of brave and true. Their life for love of country, Heart's victory for you..."
~Unknown
Veterans Day Links
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OFFICIAL VETERAN'S DAY SITE
http://www.va.gov/vetsday/
VETERAN'S DAY MUSIC AND LINKS
http://www.sunniebunniezz.com/holiday/patrioticmusic.htm
VETERANS DAY GREETING CARDS
http://www.freewebcard.com/cards/veterans/
AMERICA GI SEARCH
http://www.gisearch.com
America's Most Comprehensive Military Search
Veterans Day Prayer
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Eternal God, Creator of years, of centuries,
Lord of whatever is beyond time. Maker of all species and master of all history. How shall we speak to you from our smallness and inconsequence. Except that you have called us to worship you in spirit and in truth. You have dignified us with loves and loyalties. You have lifted us up with your loving kindnesses. Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling, though we sometimes feel that low, and without fear, though we may often be anxious. We sing with spirit and pray with courage because you have dignified us. You have redeemed us from the aimlessness of things going meaninglessly well.
God, lift the hearts of those for whom this holiday is not just diversion, but painful memory and continued deprivation. Bless those whose dear ones have died needlessly, wastefully, as it seems, in accident or misadventure. We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries in the futility of combat. There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation, when all the answers we are offered fail the question death asks of each of us. We believe that you will provide for us as others have been provided with the fulfillment of
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted..."
By Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)
(First Congregational Church of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN.)
Please consider sharing this message with others.
Veterans Day Prose
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"Peace is not just the absence of war. Like a cathedral, peace must be constructed patiently and with unshakable faith..."
~ Pope John Paul II
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