While the Treaty of Versailles officially ended “The Great War” on June 28, 1919, the hostilities of World War I actually ceased months before – on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. A year later, Nov. 11 was declared “Armistice Day” by President Wilson:
“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…”
With subsequent battles taking its toll on American troops, President Eisenhower renamed the observance Veteran’s Day in 1954 and called upon “the entire citizenry … to join hands in the common purpose” of honoring those who served our country in valor.
Their wishes still resonate here in North Carolina, which is the home of more than 775,000 vets and nearly 120,000 service members. We also proudly count about 25,000 members of the N.C. National Guard and Reserve Forces. To honor them and those who came before, ceremonies, parades and remembrances are planned across our state, including our State Veterans Nursing Homes in Fayetteville and Salisbury.
I ask all North Carolinians to join us by taking a moment to reflect and thank those who have served our country with honor, and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Fly your flag. Go to a celebration or a parade. Visit an aging vet or thank one you see on the street. You’ll be glad you did.
Gov. Perdue signs a proclamation honoring Veterans Day.