World War I was a particularly brutal war. From 28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918, it saw 30 million military casualties. In the late fall of 1918, Germany was the last of the Central Powers left fighting. With a revolution brewing in back in Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on 9 November, and the war ended with the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Parties signed the armistice at 1100 Paris Time.
In1919 President Woodrow Wilson delivered a commemorative message to the American public on the first anniversary of Armistice Day and we have taken pause ever since, as have many of the countries who fought in that terrible war. In some nations the observance is known as Remembrance Day, with some wearing a poppy flower to commemorate the war dead. As the Armistice formally ended the major hostilities of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, many countries hold a moment of silence at 1100. In the US, Title 36 US Code 145 sets 1411 hrs. (2:11 p.m.) Eastern Standard Time as an observation of two minutes of silence.
In 1938 Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday. In 1954, Congress renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In the US, we hold a distinct holiday to remember our fallen Service Members – Memorial Day in May, an observance in the US since 1868. Veterans Day honors the service and sacrifice of all who served in our Nation's Armed Forces. In light of many retailers using the day to offer sales and it being a day off from school or work, this message is sometimes lost. How can you observe Veterans Day? Most of you have a veteran living in your neighborhood and possibly one in your family. I encourage you to thank them for their service, wish them a Happy Veterans Day, and if you have time ask them to tell you about their time in uniform. This will enrich both your life and theirs. Happy Veterans Day!
A Scout is Friendly and a Scout is Courteous.