Friday
Nov112011

Salute to Veterans - Remembering Normandy

Unforgettable visit of a life time for me was to The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France, the following words are inscribed in the walls of the memorial:
If ever proof were needed that we fought for a cause and not for conquest it could be found in these cemeteries. Here was our only conquest: All we asked... was enough.. Soil in which to bury our gallant dead.  
General Mark W. Clark

Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month 11.11.11

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” 

Purpose of Veterans Day

Important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.  Department of Veterans Affairs

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