HAVE A HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

Armistice Day
Jorge Maspóns

Thank you note: I want to thank the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) for the information used in the preparation of this short article.
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ARMISTICE DAY { KNOWN IN THE USA AS VETERANS DAY. }

In the year 1918, at eleven o'clock on the morning of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, everyone rejoiced and celebrated the end of the First World War. After four years of a bitter and cruel war, the armistice was signed. "The war to end all wars" had ended.

November 11, 1919 was declared in the United States as the "Armistice Day" to remember and honor the sacrifices of men and women during the First World War. On that day the survivors of this war marched through their cities. Speeches were delivered by the different politicians and veteran officers in these celebrations giving thanks for having won the war.

In 1921, an unknown American soldier from World War I was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hill where the Potomac River and the city of Washington can be seen from above, became the preferential site of reverence for American veterans. There were also remembrance ceremonies in other countries such as England and France burying unknown soldiers in high places. In England it was "Westminster Abbey" and in France it was in the "Arc de Triumph." All these acts took place on the same day November 11, giving universal recognition at the end of the First World War. This day came to be known everywhere as the "Armistice Day."

In the United States, this Armistice Day was recognized by a resolution of Congress in 1926 and in 1938 it became a national holiday, twenty years after the end of World War I. Americans soon realized that this war would not be the last and World War II began only a year later in which nations, large and small, participated in the bloody struggle. After World War II, this Armistice Day continued to be observed on the eleventh day of November.

In 1953 people in the town of Emporia, Kansas state referred to this day as "Veterans Day", in gratitude to the veterans of their town Very soon, Representative Edwin K. Rees (Kansas) proposed change the name of Armistice Day for Veterans Day and make the occasion to honor all those who served in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed the "bill" proclaimed November 11 as "Veterans Day."

On Memorial Day when we remember the dead in battle, two other unidentified Americans were brought and buried in the square next to the unknown soldier of the First World War. One died in World War II and the other in Korea. By 1973, it was approved to add a dead man unknown to the Vietnam War but none was found until several years later and in 1984 one was buried next to the first. To honor these men, symbols of all those killed in wars, an honor guard keeps vigil night and day. *

I encourage my friends to imitate the American tradition of keeping a moment of silence on the eleventh day at eleven in the morning in honor and remembrance of those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

In 1968 the Congress passed a law changing the commemoration for the fourth Monday in October but soon they realized that the 11th was historic for all Americans so that in 1978 the Congress returned the observation for its traditional date.

Today the emphasis of this day has varied a bit. After the Vietnam War many prefer to gather in places such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and have silent vigils for his friends who fell in Vietnam. Different organizations and associations of veterans such as the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the American Legion raise funds through charitable activities to help the helpless in war.

The most known and used place in official ceremonies is "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" around the amphitheater that is built there. A combined guard (color guard) representing the different military branches execute the greeting before the Tomb. The nation's tribute to its dead in war is symbolized by the crown of flowers deposited by the President. The bugle plays "taps" and then continues the ceremony in the amphitheater. All activities in Arlington and elsewhere are coordinated by the National Veterans Day Committee which is directed by the Secretary for Veterans Affairs. The Committee represents organizations of veterans, governors, and others who prepare and promote local ceremonies.

World War II and the Korean War veterans are disappearing. "The Greatest Generation" they were the "flower and cream" of the United States that volunteered to save our world from dictatorships similar to that of our Cuba. When I watch the documentaries of that time it seems to me that I was there too.

But my time came 25 years later and thank God I returned home. Unfortunately, our politicians have wasted many of our contributions to freedom. I salute my veteran friends and brothers of World War II and when they are no longer among us, I will continue to admire them and "envy them" for the immense contribution and legacy they left us. I will always be a defender of our freedom and our way of life. I am very proud but grateful to be counted among these men and women for my three years of active duty and 17 years in the active reserve.

One more November 11th has arrived and the memories seem more alive than ever. It is my desire and hopes those future generations of Americans will never forget the beautiful heritage that their ancestors have left them, a noble heritage of spirit and a tremendous love for freedom. May God bless our children and grandchildren and may this nation always be the example worthy of independence that has been for more than 200 years.


Jorge A. Maspóns
11th United States Cavalry (The Blackhorse Regiment)
United States Army (1969-1972
* 3rd. Infantry, U.S. (The old guard.)