CLEVELAND, November 11 – The following is a statement by BLET National President Don M. Hahs on Veterans Day:
Poppies – they are the most vivid memory I have of Veterans Day. As a child, I remember them everywhere. We wore them to honor the men and women who served our country in the armed forces in both war and peace time. However, you don’t see them around much anymore. What you do see are veterans – both young and old. There are more than 24 million veterans in this country who served in both war and peace. And today is the day we show our gratitude to them.
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…”
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.
In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.
On this day, we also honor those currently serving in our military, both here and abroad. These men and women put their lives on the line daily in the name of freedom.
Many BLET members are veterans, and today we honor them and all of those who have served our country. On the behalf of all the members of the BLET, I thank you for your service to this nation and all of its people.