Veterans Day

Armistice Day November 11, 1918

Signed treaty to end fighting in World War I (The Great War)

Signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month

The actual war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.

In 1919, President Wilson designated November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day: ◦ "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 Wilson

In 1938, Congress declared November 11 an official holiday

Eventually… The name was officially changed in the USA from Armistice Day to Veterans Day after veterans’ organizations urged Congress to rename it to honor veterans from WWI, WWII, and Korean War.

Changed in 1954

Today it is still called Veterans Day and honors all veterans from all wars.

Poppy Known as the “Flower of Remembrance”

Adopted as the official memorial flower

Comes from poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, written in 1915

John McCrae was a Canadian doctor and teacher serving in WWI

The day before he wrote the poem, one of his closest friends was killed

His friend was buried in a shallow grave with a makeshift wooden cross, wild poppies were beginning to blossom in the field

The stark contrast between natural life and death through battle gave McCrae the inspiration to write this poem and to give a voice to all who died on the battlefield.

“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.

Designed and named “Blood-swept Lands and Seas of Red” by artist Paul Cummins

Tower of London

For a good cause

Poppy represents British and Colonial soldiers who died in WWI

888,246 poppies

Tower at night

Today, remember those who have served, or are serving,

in our military

Sources http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/07/world/europe/tower-of-london-poppies/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-30001177

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/first-world-war/mccrae