At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War
came to an end.
The Armistice was signed for the War to End All Wars,
but peace was built on a shoddy foundation, and war returned, nastier than ever.
The end of the Second World War brought the United Nations and the promise of
rational negotiation and eternal peace. Instead the nuclear era introduced
the tense decades of the Cold War, flaring up in brutal regional wars in Korea,
Vietnam, and throughout Africa and Central and South America. The collapse of
the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall brought optimism for a
peaceful, democratic world. This was shattered by the terrorist tactics of a new
enemy without borders to attack or a government to negotiate with. A cowardly
enemy that cheers when children blow up children or when unarmed soldiers are
murdered on their home base.
The human heart yearns for peace but is
drawn to war. We can argue about it and say it shouldn't be this way, but it
is.
That's why our armed services are vital. Our veterans have repelled
the forces of Fascism, Totalitarianism, and Communism, and for this we owe them
our eternal gratitude. Our active servicemen and servicewomen are currently
fighting the forces of Terrorism, and for this we owe them our active
support and appreciation.
On this 11th day of the 11th month, we thank the members of our armed services, past and
present, for protecting our lives, our homes, and our freedom. May God bless you
in your efforts. Labels: Veteran's Day, veterans
