A day to honor America’s military

Editorials

Discussion

November 11, 2009

Anonymous Pharos-Tribune Wed Nov 11, 2009, 08:32 AM EST

Today is Veterans Day, a day this nation has set aside for more than seven decades to honor those who serve in the American military.

As we mark the occasion, it’s important to recall its roots. This is not, after all, a celebration of war, but a celebration of those members of the armed forces who have stepped up to defend this nation’s many freedoms.

The observance dates to 1938, when Congress designated Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, “dedicated to the cause of world peace.” The day honored veterans of World War I, “the war to end all wars.”

World War I had come to an end at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918, and Americans celebrated that moment on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Too soon, though, the world was again at war. More than 16 million Americans fought in World War II, and more than 400,000 of them died.

In 1954, President Dwight David Eisenhower signed a law proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, an observance intended to honor living veterans who served honorably both in times of war and times of peace.

The American military fights on in far-flung places around the world, and many of our nation’s best and brightest make the ultimate sacrifice in the prime of their lives.

We should all take a few moments today to acknowledge these brave men and women. Send up a prayer for those who fought in past wars and for those who still fight today.

And let us think back on how this observance got started, as a day to celebrate world peace. May that day finally arrive.

Today’s events

10:15 a.m.: The Cass County Veterans Council will host the annual Veterans Day parade in Logansport. Immediately afterward, the state champion Lewis Cass Marching Kings will perform in the Pharos-Tribune parking lot at 517 E. Broadway.

2:30 p.m.: American Legion Post 415 will conduct Veterans Day ceremonies at 2:30 p.m. at the Galveston Cemetery.

6 p.m.: A Veterans Day banquet is planned at the VFW Post 3790, 1023 Erie Ave. in Logansport. Social hour will be from 5 to 6 p.m. The meal will be served at 6 p.m., and a program begins at 7 p.m. The charge is $7. Everyone is welcome, but the focus of the evening is on veterans.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Editorials

Giving every child a chance
Students from Columbia Middle School delivered a message of inclusion in a play last weekend. The message is one that can’t be repeated too often.

February 2, 2012
Testing lawmakers a good idea
A measure requiring drug testing for welfare recipients would also require drug testing for legislators. If lawmakers are going to impose such a requirement on welfare recipients, they should be willing to stand up to the same measure.

February 1, 2012
Peru delivers important message
The city of Peru collected $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed. An aggressive enforcement effort can help the city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.

January 31, 2012
Jail GED program a great step
The issue
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department has begun offering GED
classes for its prisoners.

Our view
The department, and society at large, will see a huge return on that
investment.

January 30, 2012
Ambulance services aren’t cheap
Cass County commissioners are looking at alternatives to the ambulance service provided by Logansport Memorial Hospital. Commissioners will be fortunate to find a less expensive alternative.

January 29, 2012
‘Right to work’ moves to next chapter
The Indiana House passed a proposed “right to work” measure this week after Democrats finally ended their boycott. The fight now moves to the ballot box, and labor unions will be working hard in the coming months to elect friendlier candidates.

January 26, 2012
Healthy debate on farm safety
Agriculture interests are up in arms about proposed rules aimed at ensuring the safety of young farm workers. Public feedback on the proposed regulations will almost certainly make them more effective.

January 25, 2012
Hospital, county should join hands
The fact that the president and chief executive officer of Logansport Memorial Hospital says a recent decision by Cass County officials might cost the hospital more than $1 million should concern all of us.

January 24, 2012
Keep politics away from the parks
Mayor Ted Franklin has gotten off to a rocky start with the Logansport Parks and Recreation Board.

January 21, 2012
Pursuing the American dream
Eighteen refugee students are currently enrolled in Logansport Community Schools. Local teachers and students should be applauded for their efforts to help these students overcome the barriers to education.

January 20, 2012
More Editorials Headlines

Editorials

Search Results

Discussion

A day to honor America’s military

Which team will you be cheering for in the Super Bowl?

Site Map

Contact Us