Some Veterans Day history
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Richville Rundown
Sheila Ward
November has arrived with contrasting weather days. Early this week, we broke or tied record low temperatures, then by the time you read this we are supposed to have lows in the 40s to 50s and highs in the 70s. While I don’t want early winter, it would be great for my sinuses and allergies if it would be more consistent.
It’s been two weeks since we “fell back” in time, but I’m still not adjusted. I agree with most that this twice-a-year time change is not good for you. I understand why it was done in the past, but times change, and it’s just not necessary now.
So proud of our Central Cougars going to the state playoffs for the first time in ten years. Sad that they didn’t make it past the first round, but there’s next year. At least this gives them hope that they can do it.
At one time it was called Armistice Day to mark the armistice or peace agreement to end World War I signed between the Allies and Germany, which took effect at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” Today, in the United States it’s known as Veterans Day to honor those who have served and protected our country throughout the years.
This week, we celebrated Veterans Day. I’m so glad that we still celebrate on the eleventh of November. However, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several holidays so that they fell on Mondays, giving federal employees three-day weekends, Veterans Day was one of those holidays.
The first year it was commemorated on Monday was October 25, 1971. People didn’t like the change because it took away the meaning of the day, which was very important to most.
In fact, many still continued to observe it on the eleventh of November with parades and ceremonies. President Gerald Ford nullified the law in regard to Veterans Day in 1975, and in 1978 Veterans Day was officially held on November 11 again and continues today.
The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is that Veterans Day honors all military living and dead while Memorial Day is only for those that died in service.
My Bible verse this week is about sacrifice and service. John 15:13 reads, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
While laying down your life doesn’t mean literally dying, but to stop living to please yourself and live by God’s will. Many that served our country didn’t volunteer; many were drafted so they had no choice. However, once they were in the military, often they were in situations where they had to risk their lives for the good or safety of others.
Thankfully, to serve God, most of us don’t have to risk our lives. However, just as the military demands that risk, many of our missionaries face death in service to God. I’m thankful that I can serve God and not have to worry about being killed just because I’m a Christian. Someday, that may not be the situation.
Just as early Christians faced possible death, would we be willing to do the same? I’m afraid many of us would fail.
Organizations in the area, as well as churches, I need your events! If your family has some news or an event to share, please contact me. I would prefer text 334-414-7147 or email wardgrand6@gmail.com, but phone calls will be fine, too. If you don’t get me when you call, be sure to leave a message.
