The Catholic Defender: Veterans Day November 11

Veterans Day (USA) On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of the year 1918, an armistice was signed, ending the "war to end all wars." November 11 was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during the war in order to ensure a lasting peace. In 1938 Congress voted Armistice Day as a legal holiday, but World War II began the following year. Armistice Day was still observed after the end of the Second World War. In 1953 townspeople in Emporia, Kansas called the holiday Veterans Day in gratitude to the veterans in their town. Soon after, Congress passed a bill renaming the national holiday to Veterans Day. Today, we remember those who have served for our country in the armed forces in our prayers.

America is a work in progress until the Lord does make His Blessed Appearance at the Parousia on that great and wondrous day when he will raise those who received the Eucharist awaiting Him (John 6:54, 1 Corinthians 11:26).

"When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:54-58

As we celebrate Veterans Day, let us place our hope in the Lord, let us place our hope in tomorrow because America's road is not in the things of the world, but in the ideals that freedom and liberty affords us. The good news is that today, Americans can still identify with our basic values of patriotism, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

"Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil." Joel 2:12-13

The United States Army was founded on June 14, 1775 which bears much in what the United States flag would represent the blood, sweat, and treasure Americans fought serving our Country against all enemies.

At the ceremony of retreat, a daily observance at bases during which all personnel pay respect to the flag,

“the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead.

The next morning, it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.”

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.

3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.

4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.

5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.

8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.

11. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

12. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Psalms 20:5, "May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!" Psalms 60.4, "Thou hast set up a banner for those who fear thee, to rally to it from the bow."

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, allied forces and Germany came together to sign the peace treaty, for years, Americans called Nov. 11 Armistice Day until it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

While Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day all celebrate members of the U.S. military, each holiday has its differences.

Veterans Day gives the country an opportunity to thank those who have previously served in the U.S. military, and Memorial Day honors military members who died in service.

Armed Forces Day, celebrated in May, recognizes those currently serving in the U.S. military.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. 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.