Veterans Day

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “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 7 months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of ‘the war to end all wars’.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for the patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

In his book, GIs and the Holocaust: A Train Near Magdeburg, Matthew Rozell weaves the stories of several children from all over Europe who meet in a concentration camp and are abandoned, starving on a transport train, with the stories of the young American GIs who ultimately saved them. This book describes the compassion of young men, far from home, doing the best they could to relieve suffering in the midst of terrible fighting. On Veterans Day, we remember America’s veterans, the suffering they relieved all over the world, and the life of freedom they gave us.

Elmhurst will be closed on Thursday, November 9, in honor of Veterans Day.