Veterans Day, Nov. 11, marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I back in 1918. Fighting ceased in the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month and the Treaty of Versailles was signed seven months later.
So how is the country remembering our men and women in uniform and their families today?
President Barack Obama laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and made remarks to veterans at Arlington National Cemetery today:
Today, a proud nation expresses our gratitude. But we do so mindful that no ceremony or parade, no hug or handshake is enough to truly honor that service. For that, we must do more. For that, we must commit –- this day and every day -– to serving you as well as you’ve served us.
Hurricane-ravaged New York City hosted the country’s largest Veterans Day parade Sunday. The AP reported that the turnout was sparse in places, but that many people still came out to show their support:
Along a number of blocks of the parade route, just a few dozen spectators were lined along the barricades.
Candice and Jeffrey Stark stood nearly alone on one stretch, waving tiny American flags. “We are shocked,” Candice Stark said. “Very disappointed and terribly appalled. Don’t get me started!”
The NY Daily News reported on many more ceremonies across the nation at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, at the Veterans Day parade in Atlanta, at the National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass., and even in the Philippines.
The federal holiday will be observed Monday.
