“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 those words, in 1919, President Wilson marked the 1^st anniversary of the end of the War to End All Wars, a day which would become Armistice Day.

That war, the 1^st World War came to an end on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918.

Some 7 years later, a Congressional resolution read: Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

It would not be until 1954, that Armistice Day would change its name and be known as Veterans Day. A day to honor all veterans. It was then that President Eisenhower issued this proclamation: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

From 1971 until 1978, Veterans Day was turned into a 3-day weekend by the federal government – but Veterans Day was eventually switched back to its original and true date of November 11^th where it has remained ever since.

Over the years, celebrations have changed and diminished. That is a true shame; for as far as I am concerned, Veterans Day, as a national holiday, should be second only to Independence Day.

Now, it’s hard to find the great Veterans Day celebrations of the past though there are still a few parades. To me it seems odd, disrespectful really, that we hold a bigger parade for a Bowl Game than we do for those who fought for our nation and the freedoms we enjoy.

It used to be that nearly every business was closed on Veterans Day – but now, it seems only government offices lock their doors. In fact, a poll taken just last year shows that only 21 percent of private businesses, this year, will formally observe the Day and those who guaranteed our freedom.

Does anyone know what the traditional Veterans Day meal used to be?

Thanksgiving wasn’t the only holiday with a traditional meal. Veterans Day was never known for turkey and all the trimmings rather, for many years after its inception, Ravioli was the traditional meal.

Yes, Ravioli.

While I don’t agree with much that Woodrow Wilson did or stood for, Veterans Day and Ravioli may be the exceptions.

Ravioli on Veterans Day was tradition started by Woodrow Wilson, who invited 2,000 veterans to the White House for a dinner of ravioli on the first Veterans Day. Wilson served ravioli because the canning industry was on the rise and he predicted that ravioli would soon be the most popular meal for Americans. For many years thereafter, Ravioli was  considered the traditional meal for November 11th.

I’ll tell you later why the above paragraph is highlighted.

Veterans Day is not just for those who fought in our wars but just as importantly for those who served our nation during peacetime. Yes, on Veterans Day, it is perfectly permissible to honor those who didn’t return from war which is why there is always a traditional wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery as well as at Military Cemeteries around the country but the day is primarily for thanking those who have served this great nation.

Okay, now that you know a little more regarding the history of Veterans Day, and maybe, just maybe, a little something you didn’t know before, The National Patriot has an idea.

This morning, before you start your day what do you say we bring a tradition back? That paragraph above, the one that’s highlighted…copy it and print it out…11 times. At the bottom of it, just jot down a quick word of thanks and grab some tape.

Okay, now, call your favorite local radio station and tell them what you’re about to do and ask them to encourage everybody to do this too.

Head for your local grocery and buy 11 cans of Ravioli…make them the big cans and affix one of those notes to each can. When you get to the check out, instruct the man or woman there that you would like them to ask each person who comes through their line if either they are a Veteran. Each one who says yes…Gets a can of Ravioli and your note of thanks.

If you can get enough other people to do this, grocery store will run out of Ravioli and whatever they don’t give away in their lines by the end of the day can then be donated to a local VFW!!

The idea that we should set aside a day to honor and thank our veterans is great but we should honor and thank them every day and every time we have the opportunity. One day simply is not enough.

To all who have served whether in peace or in war, our Veterans, we at The National Patriot owe you more than we can express. Because of you, we are free.

Thank you and Happy Veterans Day!!!