Happy Veterans Day, thanks to all who have served!

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an 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.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" (this was taken from here).

This morning I woke up to a flag waving in our yard. As I drove Wilson to school, we talked about why there were flags all through our neighborhood. The discussion started talking about Ken, and how he served in a war and was a veteran. Then I talked to the boys about how there were soldiers, from our country, that freed our ancestors in Belgium in World War I and World War II.

I am so grateful that Ken was able to serve our country. It was a very difficult time for us, but I am truly grateful. He made wonderful friendships during that time. As I have been thinking about that this morning, I have thought about the relationships that are built as we serve. It can be in the service of our country or our Lord. Serving brings people together.

I have been really impressed with a feeling of gratitude for those who served in WWI and WWII. I know that their service and sacrifice directly impacted my family, and especially with those that served in WWII. I have heard some of the experiences that my dad had as a small child in Belgium during that time. What a blessing those soldiers were to all of the people they liberated. I hope that my dad will write those experiences down for my boys (and me:). I know that if they have stories from their grandpa about WWII, they will better understand and appreciate history, and most importantly value the liberties we enjoy!