CLEVELAND, November 11 — The following is a statement from BLE International President Don Hahs:
On November 11 of each year, we take time to honor American veterans. Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served in the military — in wartime or peacetime. It is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge their contributions to our national security, and to underscore the fact that all those who served — and those who died — have made a personal commitment to their country.
Veterans Day was first celebrated in 1938, when it was known as Armistice Day. Armistice Day was primarily instituted to honor veterans of World War I. After World War II, which required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; and after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress changed the name of the holiday by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” This was done at the urging of veterans’ service organizations in order to include veterans who served in all American wars. With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all past and future wars.
Today, we honor many of the 59,000 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers who are veterans. As I travel around the country meeting with members, I often hear their stories of military service. Most issues of our magazine, the Locomotive Engineers Journal, feature several veterans, whether it is a feature story or a part of the Last Run and Honor Roll sections. The stories I have heard and read have stuck with me over the years. The members of this organization have always been ready and willing to serve to their country. The service to our country performed by the BLE heroes and all of the heroes who have served should be commended every day.
When President Dwight D. Eisenhower made the first official proclamation for Veterans Day, he said:
“On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
On this Veterans Day, it is also important to remember that there are U.S. service men and women serving in armed conflicts around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with these young men and women — our sons, daughters, friends, family members and co-workers — who are putting their lives on the line in the name of freedom.
Today is a day of commemoration for all of those who fought for freedom. It is a day of celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. It is a day to work towards a true and lasting peace — an end to all wars.