Maybe everyone already knows this, but Veterans Day started as Armistice Day commemorating the end of World War I. I often wondered what that meant and today I expanded my vocabulary to learn that armistice means ‘truce’ or ‘ceasefire’. Now we know, but what do we really know?
The armistice ending WWI was particularly significant because this was the war to end all wars. The armistice was signed at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. It is common to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 AM on Veterans Day.
There are so many lessons from WW I, such as: the dominoes in place that started the war; the brutality of the war; and the peace treaty ending the war. Expanding militaries, defense alliances, imperialistic aspirations, and nationalism were the dominoes that began to fall when Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was shot by a Serbian nationalist. The war was so brutal that War went from glorious and noble to horrific and morally wrong. Finally, at the end of the war, the defeated (Germany) were left humiliated and the victors sought revenge with the Treaty of Versailles. Even the peace treaty was flawed and set the stage for World War II.
Obviously, not everyone learned these lessons. Wars and revenge seekers continue today. Through the greatest sacrifices of those in military service, the United States emerged from the world wars as the example of economic and military power created through a society of individual freedom, self-rule, and social equality. We strive to be the leaders of peace and prosperity, and while we are not perfect these lofty goals are the aspirations of most people worldwide.
Armistice Day and now Veterans Day are dedicated to honoring those who have served in the military while we strive for world peace. As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” The past year has shown us how grateful we are for our veterans, while Russia has failed to remember the lessons from World War I. Maybe this year, a moment of silence and even a helping hand is well deserved for our Veterans and those in service today.
Jeff Bensch 