Modern Vespa

Marky-

11.11 has a slightly different meaning in the US.

In the US, Veterans Day, 11 Nov, gives recognition to all who served. Originally called "Armistice Day" (1926) to commemorate the end of WWI and in hope and promotion of world peace. The observance was changed in intent in 1954 to honor all veterans.

By 1890, for all the Northern States, well before the establishment of "Armistice Day", the US observed "Decoration Day". Named for the practice of decorating the graves of fallen military with flowers and flags. This was originally set as May 30, but is now the last Monday in May and is now officially called "Memorial Day".

Unfortunately, the US observes nothing as solemn and dignified as "Remembrance Day".

To my fellow veterans, regardless of period of service or nation, my best wishes for a peaceful day.

A prayer for the fallen, and many thanks to those who serve today. We are a warrior race. They are our heroes!

"We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."

I would hate to think of myself as belonging to a warrior race.

...Unfortunately there still is a need for those services.

War is sweet to those who have not tasted it.

On the 40th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima, American and Japanese veterans met again on these same sands, this time in peace and friendship. We commemorate our comrades, living and dead, who fought here with bravery and honor, and we pray together that our sacrifices on Iwo Jima will always be remembered and never be repeated.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of 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.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday-a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

While some are insulted, I read a long prayer by Mark Twain this day every year.

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month. We will remember our fallen heroes.

Not just the fallen but all who served their country.

Cheryl

Marky is referring to the British Remembrance Day. The nation goes silent at 11 AM on the 11th day of the 11th month. Totally silent for 2 minutes.

Canada also observes a two minute silence at 11 AM on 11/11 and Australia observes 1 minute.

Having been present in both the UK and Canada for this, I can assure you it is moving.

CDWise,

I can remember the wearing of poppies as i was growing up. They were either worn on the lapels or hung on the rear view mirrors of cars. I wonder what ever happened to that?