Happy Veterans Day
With all the political turmoil of today, Veterans Day becomes a tricky holiday when it should easily bring Americans together to honor those who have bravely served in the armed forces. It comes and goes each year without much fanfare because it is not on a Monday and a lot of people still must go to work. Have you ever wondered why Veterans Day is not on a Monday?
Veterans Day originally celebrated the end of World War I when an armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. President Wilson first commemorated Armistice Day in 1919 to honor the veterans of WW I, the war to end all wars. It was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans. The Uniform Holiday Bill of 1968 changed the date to a Monday in late October, but this did not resonate well with the American public and the patriotic significance of the 11th day of the 11th month was too much. Veterans Day was returned to November 11th in 1974.
This year Veterans Day takes on a special meaning as I helped my parents move into an assisted living facility. Both of my parents are in their 90s and cleaning out their home of 30 years was an adventure, but I was fortunate to receive my grandfather’s American flag for serving in WW I. I also received a military issued muzzle loading rifle and sword from my great-great grandfather who served in the Mexican-American war in the late 1840s. I also understand that I will receive an American flag someday for my father who served in the Korean War. With this family history, I came of age following the Vietnam War and did not have to serve at a time when anti-war sentiment prevailed.
This holiday remains true to its origins when President Wilson dedicated the day to honor those who have served and to world peace. This second part, world peace, has been difficult. Not too long after WWI, we had WWII in the 1940s, then there was the Korean War in the 1950s, the Vietnam War in the 1960s, the Gulf War in the 1990s, and more recently the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars from 2001 to the present. There are also a number of smaller military support services throughout the world since WWII, including: Laotian Civil War, Lebanon Crisis of 1958, Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961), Simba Rebellion (1964), Communist Insurgency in Thailand (1965-1983), Korean DMZ Conflict (1966-1969), Dominican Civil War (1965-1966), Insurgency in Bolivia (1966), Cambodian Civil War (1967-1975), War in South Zaire (1978), Gulf of Sidra Encounter (1981), Multinational Intervention in Lebanon (1982-1984), Invasion of Grenada (1983), Gulf of Sidra (1986), Libya (1986), Tanker War with Iran (1987), Invasion of Panama (1989), Somali Civil War (1992-1995), Bosnian War (1992-1995), Intervention in Haiti (1994-1995), Kosovo War (1998-1999), Somali Civil War (2007-present), Operation Ocean Shield (2009-2016), International Intervention in Libya (2011), Operation Observant Compass, Uganda (2011-2017), and Yemeni Civil War (2015-present).
Wow, what a list. Luckily, there is not a test. Plus, there are probably more conflicts that are not listed. In addition, there are American troops stationed throughout the world maintaining peace and order where civil wars, social unrest, and other internal conflicts would adversely affect the less fortunate. While the list seems daunting, it demonstrates the burden of responsibility we have assumed. Or it could demonstrate the degree that Americans will go to maintain world-wide supply chains for all that is important to our business interests.
I prefer the first explanation – Americans are the responsible good guys. I am sure that each conflict has a deep complex set of circumstances that are difficult to understand. I also expect that a lot of this centers on people without enough trying to get more from those that have too much. Of course, there may also be that criminal element on one side or the other. Yes, a complex set of circumstances with three sides to every story.
Understanding our responsibility and place in the world is probably more than we care to think about this year as we try to get our own house in order. Hopefully, everyone is staying safe and has made it through this election cycle with the same friends as when the year started. Here’s to keeping it real and keeping it all in perspective.
Happy Veterans Day!!
Quotes:
“There are three sides to every story: Your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently.”
– Robert Evans, American Film Producer
“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.”
– President Woodrow Wilson
Jeff Bensch 