Publius' Forum

At 5 AM on Monday, November 11th, 1918 an armistice was signed in the Forest of Compiegne between the warring counties of the Allied Powers and Germany, ending what would be called the "great war" or "the war to end all wars".

Later that same month, President Woodrow Wilson issued an Armistice Day proclamation hoping that 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".

But it wasn't until 1938 when another great war loomed close on the horizon that president Roosevelt signed the bill making November 11th a Federally recognized holiday; Armistice Day. And it wasn't until 1954 that the name of the holiday was changed to Veteran's Day in order to celebrate Veterans of all wars instead of just commemorating the Victory over Germany in WWI.

And now, as we are engaged in a new war with hopes that it lead to an ever greater peace in places far away, let us all pause this day to remember all our veterans, past, present and future.

The war to end all wars did not turn out to make such an end, but let us all hope for a day when soldiers won't be needed though prepare for a day when they are. Let us aim that might toward defeating our enemies who would see us harmed and tyrants who would harm others. Most of all, let us strive never to forget the sacrifices of those who serve and have served.

A salute to our fellow Americans in service to their country, for they are our children, parents and neighbors.

Thank you one and all from we, the grateful citizens of this great country.

(Also, let us celebrate the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. 230 years old as of November 10th. BooYah!)


You will know tyranny by the security of its citizens who find they have nowhere to go. You will know tyranny by the near unanimous "vote" by its citizens for its glorious leader. You will know tyranny by the strength of its military and the weakness of everything else. You will know tyranny by the surprising sameness of its voice. You will know tyranny by the love of it expressed by all its people, lest they be eaten whole by it in the night. You will know tyranny by its fear of its neighbors. You will know tyranny by its exportation to its neighbors of that same fear.

Most of all you will know tyranny by the silence of its many mass graves.