11/11/22

Remembrance Day

11/11/22

I.School 2022  

On Monday, November 11, 1918 The Great War (WWI) “ended”.    Armistice Day or Remembrance Day was created among nations around the world. 

“Armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, 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.”

The US The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I 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.  https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Most Destructive.  Hope for peaceful relations between nations.  Anniversary designed to perpetuate peace- through good will.  Appropriate ceremonies. 

Right. Let us reflect. WWI, Most destructive? Not for a long time.  Hope for peace? There was a WWII, so.  Oh, and the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf, Iraq. 

November 11th was formerly known as Armistice Day; in the United States it was given its new name in 1954 at the end of the Korean War to honor all veterans. Veterans Day is observed with memorial ceremonies, salutes at military cemeteries, and parades.

Right. Honor, Service, Sacrifice. Veterans Day. No apostrophe, because it is a day to honor all Veterans. Seems like a minor detail to us non-linguistics. However it made me think. Do you know any Veterans? I do too. I hold quiet reverence for anyone served. I will never know. I can never know what each one experienced. I can only know what I read, which can be brutal. Sanguinary. (No I did not know what that word meant). 

Sanguinary means involving or causing much bloodshed. Ok, What kind of celebrations are appropriate today? In the name of much bloodshed?  What kind of ‘celebrations’ would Ukraine and Russian peoples ‘enjoy’ to see today, say?

Online- Let’s take a look at US Veterans Day:

Lots of flags. 

“Freebees, deals, and meals”

Discounts on donuts, chicken, pancakes, and coffee. 

Businesses advertising ‘good will’ for Veterans (Is that what was meant by good will?)

Ok. 

Next. A Pop up- Ad

VA Crisis Hotlines- Open for All Veterans. 24/7

Crisis Hotline: for a cost.

Get a free coffee, pay for PTSD. (Is that what was meant by good will?) 

I will pass on saying “Thank you for your service,” today.

Why? 

Because it can be a self-serving platitude. 

Because I do not want to assume anyone who has served in a conflict would want to hear this.

Because it minimizes complicated experiences, emotions and possible trauma. 

Because it keeps us uplifted, and further from truths.  

Because it keeps us from the ugliness- and that is part of the problem.

Because it is not enough.  

Anyone who serves through sacrifice deserves much more. Yet, here we are, back. Year after year. 

The “Great War” never ended. Hostilities rage on. WWI participants, wanted “a war to end all wars.” Not happening. Especially when it is not taught. Especially when it is glorified and marketed. Especially when there is a War right now.

Increased production of goods has led to war- fighting over resources. So, a non-productive day would at least be more thoughtful. 

Historically today is intended to be a somber day.  That’s ok. So, I.School recommends-

Have a less “productive”and more, meaningful day. 

~ For All.