In her Nov. 11, 2024, newsletter, Heather Cox Richardson talked about the history of Veterans Day. It’s a good read (here).
In 1954, to honor the armed forces of wars after World War I, Congress amended the law creating Armistice Day by striking out the word “armistice” and putting “veterans” in its place.
President Dwight D. Eisenhour’s supported the change with a proclamation:
“[L]et us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
Larry and Becky Calloway
On a personal note, I happened by the Facebook page of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church today and was treated to my sister, Becky Clark Calloway, leading a children’s program to honor veterans. The link is here and Becky’s part is in the first two minutes.
I’m proud of Becky’s talents (organizing the kids, playing the piano and probably having a hand in the church’s floral arrangements). She made a pretty good talk as well. The photo is Becky and her husband, Larry, who died way too soon, possibly because of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.
