We Will Long Remember and Be Ever Grateful By Photographer and Contributor Steve Tabor
We Will Long Remember and Be Ever Grateful
By Photographer and Contributor Steve Tabor
Although the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919 and brought an end to the World War that was supposed to be the “War to end all wars,” an armistice was declared seven months earlier on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month between the forces of Germany and the Allied nations that brought a temporary halt to the hostile actions by all parties.
The following year, President Woodrow Wilson marked November 11, 1919 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…"
The day was observed with parades, public meetings, and a brief suspension of business at 11:00 a.m.
The US Congress in 1926 drafted a resolution recognizing that 27 states had already declared November 11th as a legal holiday and requesting the President to issue and proclamation calling on “officials to display the US flag on all Government buildings and inviting people in 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.”
On May 13, 1938, the US Code was amended to designate November 11 of each year as a legal holiday and dedicate the day to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”
In 1954, the US Congress recognized the contributions of the men and women who had served in our nation’s armed forces during World War II and the Korean Conflict to amend the Act of 1938 by striking “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” On June 1, 1954 Public Law 380 designated November 11th as “Veterans Day” to honor the American veterans of all wars.
In June 1968, Public Law 90-363 was signed and designated Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day to be celebrated as three-day weekends for federal employees. This legislation moved the observance of Veterans Day from November 11th to the fourth Monday in October. The change in the date of the observance led many veterans’ organizations and others to object because of its lack of patriotic and historical significance. As a result, in 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-97, which returned the observance of Veterans Day to November 11th.
To every member of the active military, those who have previously served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we will not forget your service and your sacrifice.
Resources:
www.va.gov
Steve Tabor Bio
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.
Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.
