We will remember

I know I am late but as a vet myself I celebrate the living and will be eternally gratefull to the fallen and I think about it everyday. I to have been to terrible places at terrible times. I have seen the destruction of war and it is not pleasant for anybody. All the comments you all have said are noted and thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I know I am not the only vet here and to those others that are THANK YOU for doing what you did for our countries on both sides of the pond.

In Oz we have ANZAC Day, 25th of April. It is a day where we commemorate all of those who gave their lives in WWI from Oz and NZ. Armistace day is now more of a rememberance day for other wars, but if you ask any digger, ANZAC Day is our main day and we remember all of those who have served, lost their life, or lost their future due to mental health issues. We remember and honour Armistace Day, (or Remembrance Day as it has become known), but ANZAC Day is the day that our hearts belong to the Aussies and Kiwis of all wars.

rocketman2000

I would say instead that we in US celebrate both the living and the fallen.  There is always a celebration at Arlington, and there are many celebrations  for the fallen at local events.

But the official intent of the holiday is to celebrate living veterans of the armed services. Shortly after the end of WWII, the idea was put forward in Congress to change November 11's Armistace Day for commemorating WWI's end, to celebrating all armed forces Veterans, in war or peace, and the purpose of the holiday itself changed, along with the name.

Personally, as a vet, I save the commemoration of our war dead for the May Memorial Day. Yes, there is traditionally an event at the Tomb of the Unknowns. But then again, that started out as a WWI memorial which has been expanded due to subsequent wars. So an event there makes sense. 

A little late since I had posted in the veterans day comments on another of the FSM forum threads. I didnt' realize that rememberance day for our friends across the pond coincided with veterans day here in the US. I won't forget that in the future.

To all who serve and have served you have my heartfelt gratitude. Words are inadequate to express what we owe them.

stikpusher

It's an interesting related opposite. On this date in the USA, we commerate our living veterans. In Europe on this date, it is the commemoration of those fallen in war.

 

I would say instead that we in US celebrate both the living and the fallen.  There is always a celebration at Arlington, and there are many celebrations  for the fallen at local events.

We have a local "Vet's Helping Vet's" groups.  They have assembled a wall with the names of those lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Displayed in various high traffic areas like the local mall, and is in city hall this week.

Was originally Rememberance Day with WWI.  Our Memorial Day is in May.  Kind of reversed to me.

Either way, both days honor those that have given all or some.

I believe they are also remembering the fallen now.

Memorial day,  honor fallen vets, veterans day honor all vets.

It's an interesting related opposite. On this date in the USA, we commerate our living veterans. In Europe on this date, it is the commemoration of those fallen in war.

Veteran's Day:

      Will I Remember? Three tours in 'Nam.The Loss of Both Brothers in Fallujah? Of course!! Besides these close ones, ALL that have gone Before and who are serving Now! And shall serve in the future. "Greater love hath no man, But, that he lay down his life for his Brothers!"

I'd like to second Bish's comments about thanking all of our veterans who have given so much to ensure that we have the quality of life that we presently have.  I hope that each of us will take some time today to reflect and honor those veterans who are no longer with us.

TJS

Can't argue with that, from either side of the lines or the water.