To the Editor:

In the year 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month an armistice was reached and went into effect between the Entente Powers consisting of United Kingdom, France, the Russian Empire, Belgium, Serbia, Canada, Australia, Italy, Japan, Greece, Romania and the United States and the Central Powers, consisting of the German Empire, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Bulgaria. This armistice was to bring an end to more than four years of war known as World War I, the Great War and the War to End All Wars. The armistice was planned for several months in advance of November 1918 and the armies on both sides knew of its existence. Yet the fighting continued for vain attempts at last chances to secure glory, honor and reputations. Most attempts ended with a grave marker. Additionally, while this official date to mark the end of the war reflects the cease-fire on the Western Front, hostilities continued in other regions, especially across the former Russian Empire and in parts of the old Ottoman Empire. This war to end all wars killed more than 15 million people.

Armistice Day would primarily be a day to honor veterans of World War I. However, since Armistice Day in 1918 there have been numerous other wars in which the United States has participated. World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen in the history of the United States. In that war, more than 62 million people were killed most of whom were civilians. The Korea War, a few years later, claimed more than 3 million lives again most of whom were civilians. The Vietnam War killed 4 million people. The list of American participation in war continues on through the invasions of Grenada, Panama, Iraq in 1991, Kosovo and up to today’s current occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.

After American forces fought in Korea, Congress, at the urging of veterans’ service organizations, struck the word "armistice" and inserted "veterans.” On June 1, 1954, with legislative approval and President Eisenhower's signature, Nov. 11 became a day to honor all American veterans. For some veterans, Veterans Day is a day of celebration, patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. For other veterans, it is a day just like any other. Many veterans go to work on this day. Many other veterans and their loved ones suffer in silence or out loud with the physical and mental pain of service and war. Most veterans old and young just fade away without notice.

In this world of war without end, remember this day was to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”



Anthony Teolis

Treasurer

Veterans For Peace

Delwin Anderson Memorial Chapter

Fairfax


Publishers of 17 weekly newspapers in Suburban Washington: Alexandria Gazette Packet, Arlington Connection, Ashburn Connection, Burke Connection, Cascades Connection, Centre View North, Centre View South, Great Falls Connection, Fairfax City Connection, Fairfax Station/Laurel Hill/Clifton Connection, Herndon Connection, McLean Connection, Mount Vernon Gazette, Potomac Almanac, Reston Connection, Springfield Connection, Vienna Connection