OldTroubador's blog post - On the 11th Hour of the 11th Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918, an armistice was signed in a railroad coach in Compiegne, France which brought an end to the hostilities in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. After six months of negotiation in Paris, the Treaty of Versailles was signed which brought an end to World War I, the War to End All Wars. The reality is, the Treaty merely set the stage for another century of conflict.
The end of hostilities led to the 11th of November being set aside as a day to celebrate the end of the war and also as a day to remember all those who fell during the war. In the United States and other countries, the day is now used to honor the veterans of ALL the wars fought since that time. In this country, the roll call of conflicts is long; it is equally long for many of the other countries in the world.
World War II
The Korean Conflict
The Vietnam War
Gulf War I
Gulf War II
Afghanistan
Iraq
In addition to these, there are many other regional conflicts fought where our troops were sent to try to keep the peace or rescue civilians.
The Cold War
The Middle East
Somalia
Kosovo
Grenada (United States)
Falkland Islands (England)

The one thing all these wars and conflicts have in common is that men and women were sent to fight to uphold whatever cause was at stake. Whether or not you agree with your country’s rationale for entering into these battles, the fact is that the troops sent to these places have earned and deserve the respect and honor which is due them. And today is that day.
While every day should be a day of remembrance, this day is set aside as a day to honor all those who have stood in harm’s way, safeguarding our liberties and freedoms. Men and women who were sent to do battle, sent to heal injuries, sent to stand guard, at the ready to jump into the fray. Whether friend or foe, ally or enemy, nearly every person who has taken up arms in the defense of a cause deserves the respect of their fellow man. These are the men and women who have sacrificed their time, families, safety, and in many cases, their limbs and lives.
On this day, the 11th day of the 11th month, let us honor our veterans. Let us thank them for the work they do. Let us thank them for our freedoms. Let us rejoice that most came home. Let us mourn those that did not. Let us stand, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm with those who grieve. Now and always.

Thank You Veterans.

Lest we forget.