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Sunday, November 11, 2012

On the Armistice and Remembrance and Veterans

Jean Sexton writes:


"The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten." --Calvin Coolidge, 21 July, 1920.

The armistice ending the hostilities on the Western Front of World War I came into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. That world war was one of the most deadly in the history of the world. For many years November 11 was a time to remember all the soldiers who died during that war. After World War II, the scope was broadened to include all soldiers who died during wartime.

For the countries in the British Commonwealth, it is still a day to remember those who fell in defense of their country. The red poppy is used as a symbol of that loss. "In Flanders Field" has its stark reminder in these words:

 If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

In the United States, the day has changed its focus. On this day Americans focus on service members who are still alive and who can accept our thanks. Memorial Day is used to remember the fallen soldiers.

ADB, Inc. would like to take a moment today in order to acknowledge and thank military veterans. We know full well that we and our customers enjoy the freedoms we do due to the service of these men and women. While a particular individual may not have stood directly in harm's way while he or she served, the knowledge that sacrifice might have to be made was always there. In this day and age, many veterans have survived wounds that would have killed in the past, but now maim. They have given much for freedom.

Many of our customers and friends are veterans; some of them are still serving. We pause to thank each veteran for the service, for the sacrifice, and for keeping the wolves from the door. Words are inadequate for just how grateful we are.

For those who read this, take the time to say thank you to someone who has served. Let that person know how deep your appreciation is.

"Again and again we have owed peace to the fact that we were prepared for war."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 2 June, 1897.