Veterans Day Reflections Dating back to the Revolutionary War, more than 41 million Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. However, it’s only been in the last 100 years that the United States has officially honored military veterans. It wasn’t until Nov. 11, 1919, the one-year anniversary of end of World War I, that Armistice Day was established to pay tribute to those who fought in the Great War. Seven years later, a congressional resolution made the day an annual observance and in 1938 it became a national holiday. President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 after lobbying efforts by various veterans’ support organizations that wanted to ensure that the country paid tribute to all of those who served. “It is fitting that we set aside a special day each year to honor our veterans and give nationwide expression of our esteem for them,” Eisenhower would later say in a proclamation. “Let us celebrate that day with appropriate ceremonies not only in tribute to our veterans but also in rededication to the cause of peace with honor throughout the world.”
This month, former USS Midway crewmembers reflected on the significance and importance of Veterans Day. “Recognizing veterans is a way of thanking them for their sacrifices, and they deserve our thanks,” said retired Capt. Larry Ernst, Midway’s last commanding officer. “If we do not remember, recognize and honor our veterans, then we may not have a next generation of veterans. If we do not have a next generation of young folks willing to sacrifice for our nation’s defense, then we may cease to be a nation.” 10
WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2021
As a young lieutenant, retired Vice Adm. Paul Ilg flew A-4 Skyhawks from Midway’s flight deck with Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22) during combat deployments to Vietnam in the 1960s. He knows how important veterans have been in defending the freedoms all Americans cherish. “Our veterans and those now serving are responsible for us to continue to have free choice,” said Ilg, who was shot down over Laos in 1965 and spent two days evading the enemy before being rescued. “Freedom is not free and they have paid for our freedoms, some with their lives. We should continue to show appreciation and recognize our veterans.”
