Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com

Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Coastie... all names given to men and women who have stepped up, raised their hand, taken and oath and "written the check". "A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life." This Veteran's Day we need to remember the honor of such action and properly express our appreciation to all those who have performed it. Originally recognized / celebrated as "Armistice Day" to recognize the end of fighting in World War I, what we now call Veteran's Day originated with Germany's signing of the armistice in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the eleventh month (November 11) 1918. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "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..." In 1938, November 11th was made a legal holiday by legislation of the government, "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." In 1954 after World War II - and all of its attached recruiting, bloodshed, mobilizations, etc - the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by replacing the word "Armistice" with the word "Veterans". On June 1, 1954, November 11th became the day we honor all veterans of all wars and/or service. 1971 through 1974, thanks to the 1968 Uniform Holiday Law, America celebrated Veteran's Day on the fourth Monday of October, thereby giving federal workers a three-day weekend (one of four that included Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day and Columbus Day). The confusion surrounding the new date and the dedication with which veterans and their families held onto November 11th, drove President Ford to change the law in 1975 moving Veteran's Day back to November 11th starting in 1978. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. It is one of my greatest pleasures to be able to say, "I am a veteran." I served as an active duty military policeman, and then spent time in the Maryland National Guard both as a Light Infantryman and as a Combat Engineer. My family has a history of service to include 25 service veterans from every branch (except the Coast Guard so far) in four generations. As I type this I have family and friends serving both in Iraq and in Afghanistan and more serving here at home in the U.S. It is a great and appreciated privilege to serve our nation, especially as volunteers, carrying the memory and admiration of those who have served before us and dedicating ourselves to insuring that honor and admiration is maintained to pass on to the next generation that serves after us. Our service is a source of pride well earned. It is often a sacrifice - or collection thereof - that we made knowingly, willingly and with the purpose of serving a greater good. It is proof of strength of character and personal courage. I salute every service veteran today. I thank you for YOUR service and sacrifice. I maintain my willingness to stand beside you in the gap and am honored to be counted amongst your ranks.

Sponsored Recommendations

Build Your Real-Time Crime Center

March 19, 2024
A checklist for success

Whitepaper: A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

July 28, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge

A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

June 6, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge.

Listen to Real-Time Emergency 911 Calls in the Field

Feb. 8, 2023
Discover advanced technology that allows officers in the field to listen to emergency calls from their vehicles in real time and immediately identify the precise location of the...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!