Welcome back brew nation! It’s the “Friday Coffee Guy” coming to you with The Champion’s Brew, a weekly assembly of material I am reading, listening to, watching, or thinking about that is designed to equip and call you to uncommon leadership. I often add my own little spin based on my takeaways and would love your input as well. Any of the points especially impact you? Drop me a note at [email protected], or comment on the blog to keep the conversation going! I believe you will discover that the format is not only useful, but also that you can consume it within the time it takes you to enjoy your daily ‘brew’! Become a member of the Champions Brew Nation by subscribing here!!
This week’s episode is a little different, but no less impactful:
- Love Always – Today is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a federal holiday recognized each year on November 11. So, how much do I know about Veterans Day? I decided to read a bit more about it this week and thought it would be good to share with you what I learned. Maybe you already knew… maybe you didn’t. But we should all know!
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Place of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting had ceased 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.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “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 American to show her sympathy and peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 am.
The US Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution of June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas, it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate the peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas, the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, and other suitable places, with the appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
(WOW. Read that again… )
An Act approved May 13, 1928, made the 11th of November each year a legal holiday – a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation, on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. (Source: https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp)
Apart from a brief, confusing time from 1971 to 1978, Veterans Day has been and is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week that it falls.
Americans often confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. While Memorial Day recognizes those military members who have lost their lives, Veterans Day recognizes the service of ALL American Veterans.
While it is important to thank all those who have served or are serving on a regular basis, on Veterans Day it’s especially important to take an extra moment to show military members gratitude for their sacrifice. Here are some ideas, beyond simply saying “thank you for your service:”
1) Attend a Veterans Day event
2) Ask about a veteran’s time in the military
3) Display the U.S. flag in your home
4) Volunteer for, or donate to, a military support nonprofit like the USO
5) Read a book or watch a movie about U.S. military history
- Quote – “Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” – Ronald Reagan
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: This call to action seems simple. There are at least 10 ideas above as to how you can honor a veteran. If you are a veteran reading this Champions Brew, THANK YOU for your service. I ask that you share with me about your time in the service by commenting on the blog or sending me an email [email protected], and I will post your story for you!!
Until next time eat healthy, read daily, honor veterans and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set something up!!
