The official United States holiday known as Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day for the purpose of celebrating the formal end of World War I in an Armistice with Germany, “which ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918,” and honoring the veterans of that war. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 for the purpose of honoring all veterans who serve our country.
I consider Veterans Day to be one of the three uniquely American holidays, along with Independence Day and Memorial Day, which represents everything that makes the United States an exceptional nation. Nothing is more precious than our liberty, which was won by the unselfish courage of the men and women who fought, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, so that you and I could be a free people – one nation, under God. What could be more American?
As I have suggested before on the other two American holidays, please consider staying away from the malls, as tempting as that might be, and attending one of the many services offered to honor our veterans on Monday, November 11, 2013 around South Florida. As published by CBS Miami, there are two such services here in North Miami and North Miami Beach:
North Miami: 10 a.m. at North Miami Veterans Monument Griffing Park, 12220 Griffing Blvd. Free ceremony features a 21-gun salute, presentation of colors, musical entertainment and free refreshments on Wednesday.
North Miami Beach: 10 a.m. at All Wars Memorial Park, 16500 NE 16th Ave. North Miami Beach is holding a special Veterans Day service at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the All Wars Memorial Park, 16500 NE 16th Ave. Includes a 21-gun salute, presentation of colors, speeches by elected officials and live music by Saint Andrew’s Bagpipe Band of Miami and the Artie Brown Orchestra. At 11:11 a.m., presenters will read the names of more than 220 Navy and Marine personnel who were killed in the 1983 bombing of U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. For information, call 305-948-2957.
There are other events all over Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, as well.
This Monday, please take the time to show your support, respect and, most of all, your appreciation for the privilege of being an American, by honoring those men and women who made your freedom possible.
Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”
Thank you !
Don’t thank me. Thank a veteran!
I was thanking you. because I AM a Vietnam Veteran. As was my father,(WWII) & my son (disabled Veteran from Desert Storm) & was moved by your words & sincerity.
Pete
Thank you for your service! Your sacrifice is deeply appreciated.
The Town of Surfside will also be holding a Veteran’s Day ceremony at the Memorial Park located at 87th Ter. and Collins Avenue at 10 a.m. Featured will be a 3 volley salute by military veterans along with an honor guard and bugler. Free refreshments will also be provided.
The City of Aventura will also feature a Veterans Day Ceremony featuring a 21 gun salute and an honor guard. Taking place at Aventura City Hall at 10 a.m. November 11th. Refreshments will be served.
Steph, Thanks for taking the time to recognize the veterans who gave so much to make our country one of the greatest.
Thanks, Bruce. I believe America is not just one of the greatest, but THE greatest country on the planet! God Bless America!
this is a bit late, but I always make it a point to discuss this important topic whenever the issues of veterans and our freedoms comes up.
Today, probably startling more on Veterans Day, around 20 veterans or members of the US armed forces will attempt to end their own lives.
In 2013 over 7000 members of this family which exists to honor the life of our country, will end their own lives.
I’m sorry to be negative, but I am disgusted by our blind patriotism, and ignorant support of our government. It is literally killing the very people we expect to protect us.
Any community which focuses first on “honoring” our veterans, instead of dealing with the very real horror faced by veterans and service members returning from conflict zones is disrespectful and superficial.
I can’t blame people for being ignorant of the terror plaguing our military, including but not limited to suicide and sexual assault, the government does whatever it can to minimize the attention these topics get. But it’s our responsibility as FREE Americans to learn about these things, and to fulfill our own responsibilities to veterans by DEMANDING our government stop wasting trillions of dollars in over seas adventuring and bring that money back to the united states, in part to fulfill our promises to veterans and also to rebuild the crumbling infrastructure in many of our cities.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/21/us/22-veteran-suicides-a-day/