In Honor of Our Veterans

At the 11^th hour, the 11^th day, of the 11^th month, the “war to end all wars”, the First World War came to an end. Over the course of four years of fighting in every corner of the globe, over 30 million soldiers and civilians became casualties to the horrors of modern warfare. Today, in nations across the world, from the United States to Australia, from Great Britain to Canada, countries are paying their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and democracy. Originally known as Armistice Day from 1926 to 1954, today, Veterans Day is a federal holiday meant to honor the service of Americans who have answered the call of duty. As you move forward, take a moment to appreciate the service of those brave men and women who have taken the oath to serve and protect the United States, and above all the sacrifice veterans have made to promote the cause of world peace, past, present, and future.
 
To conclude, in the words of Vermont native, President Calvin Coolidge, in a speech given in October 1926 marking the dedication of a World War One monument…”the margin of safety in human affairs is never very broad…if the American spirit fails, what hope has the world? In the hour of triumph and power we can not escape the need for sober thought and consecrated action.”