Veterans Day (U.S.)
November 11

Did you know that a resolution by U.S. Congress in 1926 established Veteran’s Day as a reminder to strive for peace? It celebrated the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars.”

Here is an excerpt from the congressional resolution, more pertinent today than ever:

"WHEREAS the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

"WHEREAS it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations….”

November the 11th shall be “dedicated to the cause of world peace” and “appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”

The day was originally called Armistice Day and then renamed Veterans Day. And indeed, the veterans – the rebuilders – are heroes who deserve our admiration and grateful support. Regardless of the deception that got them caught in the war, the war itself undeceived them. And they proved their heroism by going with open eyes about the task of rebuilding their lives. This is how they showed their real heroism. That is why Veterans for Peace are potentially the most convincing witnesses for nonviolence, an un-armed force for building a peaceful world.

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