A letter of thanks is appropriate for Veterans

World War I was "the war to end all wars," but that was a dream that has not to come to fruition. It was considered officially ended on June 28, 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

However, seven months earlier there was an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany, which went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. That is the date that is generally considered the end of World War I. The first commemoration of Armistice Day, as it was originally called, occurred in November 1919, when President Wilson proclaimed it as a special day with these 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 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...."

Unfortunately, the grand purpose for this special day has not been realized. In our volatile world, peace seems to be an elusive goal. In spite of that, there is strong sentiment to show respect and appreciation to military personnel who have served in the military branches of our Nation. Armistice Day was later changed to Veteran's Day to be observed on Nov. 11 of each year. The Senate has declared the week containing Veterans' Day as "National Veterans Awareness Week," to emphasize among elementary and secondary school students the contributions and sacrifices of veterans, and to encourage all people to observe the week with appropriate educational activities.

However we choose to define appropriate educational activities," it would be a wonderful opportunity to take a few minutes to write a letter to a military person (active or retired) and express our appreciation for his/her contributions.

It would not be a world altering activity, but it would surely bring joy to the heart of one of our military personnel.