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90 Years On, Veteran's Day 2008

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Aviator C

At the11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the guns of the “war to end all wars,” World War I, were stilled.  The US, the French, and the British and their allies have honored that day for the past 90 years, even though the war to end all wars in turn begat, World War II, the Berlin Airlift, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam, Beirut, Panama, Grenada, the First Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo, the war in Afghanistan, and the war in Iraq.

The French, British, Canadians, Australians, and other Commonwealth Countries honor the day as Remembrance Day.  I’ve seen the French Tricolors circling the Arc de Triomphe and lining the Champs-Elysees.  Citizens of the UK and countries like Canada wear paper red poppies to signify the poppies in Flanders Field, a site of horrific bloodshed during World War I.  In the U.S., we honor the date as Veteran’s Day to salute all veterans living and past who have worn the uniform of our country from battlefields, to the frozen arctic, to alert ready rooms at air bases around the world.

Our Blog Team wants to recognize the gallantry and sacrifice of these men and women, some of whom are family members, Coworkers, or friends, and we are proud to share their thoughts with you on this, the 90th Anniversary of the World War I armistice!

Veterans Day is a day to remember that freedom is not free. It is a day to recognize the brave men and women who gave their lives for our great nation. It is a day that reminds me that I should have a grateful heart everyday and not take the life I live for granted.  Ashley Butler, Nashville Marketing Representative

Having been an Air Force wife during the Vietnam War, I relate to the pride and strength of parents, spouses, and significant others waiting at home.  "They also serve who sit and wait."  Carole Adams, Dallas Flight Attendant

Americans call it Veterans Day; Brits and Canadians refer to it as Remembrance Day.  Truth is, it doesn't matter what we call this special day in November as long as we find a way to recognize the courageous men and women (past and present) who willingly serve their country and let them know how much we appreciate their selfless answer to the call of duty.  Our country owes an immeasurable debt to every individual who has donned a uniform; so today, let’s express our gratitude for their service and our praise for their bravery.  Have you thanked a veteran today?  Jim Herring, Senior Writing Representative Culture Services

On Veterans’ Day, I always find myself thinking about what the men and women who have served our country have really been through.  Sadly, we all seem to “get used to” our Coworkers and friends that have served, and it just becomes “something they did”, so I am thankful for days like Veterans’ Day that help remind me what a huge deal it really is. There are no small jobs in the military—and EVERYONE has to go through boot camp--and I think we forget that sometimes.  Mallory Messina, Culture Services Representative

The words of the Billy Ray Cyrus song always seem to come to mind on Veteran's Day- "Think of all your liberties and recall, all gave some and some gave all" these are "the reasons we are free" and never ever "forget those who died".  Thank you Vets.   David Evans, Dallas Captain

Veterans Day to me, means that we can live day to day with some sense of comfort knowing that the men and women of our armed forces are protecting us the same way that so many veterans before them have done, so that we may enjoy this day that was named to honor them.  Gordon Guillory, Dallas Structural Mechanic

Veteran's Day is a time to remember our men and women, living and dead, that stood up and defended our nation for over 200 years.  God bless you all for your strength and courage.  Kristen Francis, Online Marketing Specialist

I am grateful to our Armed Forces--those currently serving and those who bravely served (some giving the ultimate sacrifice)--for giving me and my family a cradle of security and freedoms that we all too often take for granted. This Veteran's Day, I pledge to visit with my children about the significance of the day and how lucky we are to have Heroes keeping us safe and secure EVERY DAY.  Linda Rutherford, Vice President Communications and Strategic Outreach

Take Jim’s and Linda’s suggestions to heart, and thank a Veteran.  Make sure our younger generation never forgets.  Veterans not only are a part of our daily lives, they make those daily lives possible. 

(Be sure and read Berri's post above.) 

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