TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
Fellow Airmen,
Veterans Day is a time to honor American Veterans of all
wars. Each year we set aside this
special day to remember those who have served in our Armed Forces. From those brave service members who fought and
died in the trenches of World War I, to those who are fighting on the ground,
at sea, and in the air today, we owe them our deepest respect and gratitude.
Veterans Day originally began after World War I as
Armistice Day. World War I, known as “the
Great War,” officially ended on 28 June 1919 when the Treaty of Versailles was
signed outside of Versailles, France.
However, the fighting had actually stopped seven months earlier with an
armistice between the Allied nations and Germany. The armistice - a cessation of hostilities -
went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh
month…1100, 11 November 1918.
The following year, in 1919, President Wilson proclaimed
11 November as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. He stated: "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…"
Armistice Day was originally observed in the United States with parades,
public meetings, and a brief suspension of business beginning at 1100.
However, in 1938, Congress approved 11 November,
"Armistice Day," as a federal holiday and dedicated it to the cause
of world peace. In 1954, after World War
II and the Korean War, in response to urging by veterans’ service
organizations, Congress replaced the word "Armistice" with
"Veterans" to commemorate a day to honor veterans of all wars.
This is an important day to recognize and remember the
sacrifices of our veterans and their families to keep our country safe. From World War I to the recent campaigns in
Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, our veterans have an experience to share and we
should take the time to listen and remember.
Their important stories are interwoven into the fabric that shapes our
country and strengthens the bond between our families and our citizens.
We proudly salute our warfighters who made a commitment
to uphold the constitution and defend our nation from all enemies. I ask that you join me in paying tribute to
generations of veterans on this Veterans Day.
Thank you for your service.