11/11 at 11 am

Veteran's Day.

Originally called Armistice Day and first celebrated in 1919. Wilson said "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…"

It was supposed to honor those who fought the war that ended all wars. It's still a day honored and recognized all around the world for the day peace returned to Europe.

In 1954, it was changed to Veteran's Day to also honor those who had fought in all those wars the first one didn't end.

While I appreciate Veteran's Day and the fact that at least one day a year Hubby and all those who serve(d) in the military are given the respect they deserve, it also makes me sad. All those restaurants making a big deal about giving a free meal to vets one day a year are missing the point. Those men and women don't give of themselves one day a year. JFK said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

It also hurts my heart that 90 years ago, we were so sure that war would never come again. World peace had been achieved. We could and would get along. Stability had arrived. There are still wars being waged around the world. While it would be nice for Iraq and Afghanistan to suddenly be turned into miniature Disney Worlds were everyone is happy and gets along, it makes me wonder if it would really matter. Would another group simply step up and take their place as our foes? A new battleground be established?

Regardless, I am grateful my grandparents, father and Hubby have all served so that I did not.

My grandpa in WWII. He took pictures from airplanes while flying over Germany.

My Grandma in WWII. She was in an internment camp. They let her out to join the WAAC. And, she wanted to after the US had taken all her belongings and made her live in a horse stall.

Hubby taking his oath when he was commissioned in 2006.