Veterans' Day Message from the President General

    Veterans Day is a time to reflect, remember and thank those men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
    World War I was known at the time as “The Great War”- officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, just outside the town of Versailles, France.  However fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
     In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first
commemoration of Armistice Day. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 am. It was a day to be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.
     On May 13, 1938, November 11th was made a legal holiday each year-a day dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be therefore celebrated and known as Armistice Day--a day set aside to honor World War I veterans. In 1954 the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” On June 1, 1954, with the approval of this legislation, November 11th became a day to honor American military veterans of all wars.
     This is a day, which is driven by historical significance of the date and focuses attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor American’s military veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. A wonderful day to thank a veteran for their service, regardless of how long ago it might have been. To all veterans, thank you for your service to our country.
     I want to personally thank all of the Veterans who have served this great nation.

Yours in Patriotism,
J. Michael Tomme, Sr.
President General
National Society Sons of the American Revolution

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