LETTER | Remember the 11th hour of 11th day of 11th month
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and Allied Nations came into effect. On Nov. 11, 1919, Armistice Day was for the first time. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”
In 1954, the 40 and 8 and other veteran service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” Congress approved this change, and on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11th became a day to honor all American Veterans wherever and whenever they had served.
It is marked by parades and church services and flying the American flag at half-staff. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11 a.m.
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of 40 Men and 8 Horses), better known as the 40 & 8, which held its first meeting only four months after the signing of the armistice, encourage all Americans to honor and thank veterans whenever and wherever they see them, especially on Veterans Day.
As President Wilson said; America was established not to create wealth but to realize a vision, to realize an ideal – to discover and maintain liberty among men.
Let us all pause silently for a couple minutes at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11th to give thanks to all Veterans for our Freedom.
Preston R Olson
Chef de Gare (Commander)
Grand du South Dakota
Voiture 180
Sioux Falls
I'm sure our President elect will give solemn honor to all of our "suckers" and "losers". My god, what has happened to our true patriots? At 11 AM, pray that our democracy might survive the next four years! In 1937 -38, the majority of Germany cheered for Hitler. He used the Jews for leverage and Germany was a "Christian" country. The support for Trump reminds me of Germany. Trump is using immigrants for leverage, and yes, his supporters claim to be Christians, too. I am Christian. And I say that voting Trump to lead our "Christian" nation is blasphemy Satan smiles on our recent election.
Thank you Preston.