Last Saturday, Nov. 11, we celebrated the holiday of Veterans Day. It’s the kind of holiday that has individual meanings to each of us. To me, it brings back memories of my favorite veteran, my father John Haley.
John Haley, was a proud veteran of World War II. He was in the infantry. Contributed / Haley Pal
When I was in high school, my dad worked shifts, and when on the “afternoon shift,” he would get home around midnight. On Friday and Saturday nights after enjoying some fun with my friends, I’d still be pretty wide awake at that time. I’d wait up for him and we’d spend time at the kitchen table talking about all kinds of things. One subject that would come up occasionally was his time in World War II and he would tell me war stories. Some of them were funny about silly pranks and colorful people he came to know. Others could be grizzly like the loss of a friend in a foxhole and having to write home to his family about their son’s death, but all of them made an impression on me. I became aware of the horrors of war and also the amazing camaraderie that soldiers shared. My father remained friends with the men in his platoon until they all died. So, when I celebrate Veterans Day, I celebrate my dad and his service to our country.
My friend Andy Wallar is a veteran himself and on his Veterans Day, he celebrates the American people. “I have a veteran tag on my license plate. I also take advantage of the military 10% discount at Home Depot and Lowes, so often, I hear, ‘Thank you for your service.’ I’m embarrassed by the well-intended remark because it’s me who is grateful. I was sent around the world on an experience of a lifetime. I’ll have stories and friends forever. Iraq and Afghanistan were scary, but I was well-trained and knew I’d make it home. I am grateful to the American public who helped make my career possible,” he said.
The original intent of the holiday was to honor those who fought in the “war to end all wars,” World War I. The war officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, but the fighting actually ended on Nov. 11, 1918, when an armistice, or cessation of hostilities, between Germany and the Allied Nations went into effect. In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day. The day was to be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died and gratitude to those who brought home the victory. There were parades and public meetings in honor of the veterans all across the country and they all started at 11 a.m. On May 13, 1938, an act of Congress made Nov. 11 a national holiday.
Haley Pal, a Windham resident and active member of the Windham Historical Society, can be contacted at haleypal@aol.com.
Then, in 1954, after World War II and the Korean War were behind us, the 1938 act was amended to change the name of the holiday to Veterans Day, it became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day is always celebrated on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week on which it falls. It was not always so. In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Bill was passed to ensure three-day holiday weekends on Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. This decision was not popular with many of the American people, however. When in 1971 the first Veterans Day under the new law was held on Oct. 25, there was so much national confusion that people began lobbying for Veterans Day to once again be celebrated on Nov. 11. On Sep. 20, 1975, President Gerald Ford returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11. And so, since 1978 when the law was enacted, it has been the official date.
The decision was well received, and these days we commemorate Veterans Day for its historic and patriotic significance by proudly flying flags to remember the sacrifices of those who died, to show appreciation to those still with us who have served and to say thank you to the men and women of the military who are in the service of our country today.
“So many souls have passed,” said David Tanguay, retired Navy commander and the adjutant of the American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 here in Windham. “On Veteran’s Day, memories return of friends old and new. I am blessed to be surrounded by veterans. They refresh my spirit in my new time of service.”
Everyone is grateful to the many veterans who have served our nation throughout the centuries. From the Revolutionary War to the men and women serving our country today, I salute you for your sacrifice, your bravery and your dedication in ensuring the country we love stays safe and our American flag continues forever flying free.
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