Raising Your Right Hand

VETERANS DAY IS NOVEMBER 11TH

Raising Your Right Hand

story by Cynthia Ford

It is often stated that only one percent of our population serves in the military. Each service member begins their journey with a commitment to serve, followed by foundational knowledge and training. Raising your right hand and repeating the oath is deeper than what one can think or imagine. At the time of the first recitation, the candidate is eager and excited about enlisting in the military. The spoken commitment and written signature seals the deal and opens the door for a new adventure. I repeated that renowned oath years ago, standing side by side with comrades. I do solemnly swear/afrm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the ofcers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. Each year on November 11th, we recognize the commitment, bravery, service, and sacrifice of men and women who served in the Armed Forces. It is common for many companies or restaurants to ofer something free or discounted as a way of honoring and showing appreciation to service members. During many Veterans’ Day ceremonies, it is also common to hear presenters speak about the importance of the eleventh month, eleventh day, and the eleventh hour. Veteran’s Day, often confused with Memorial Day, has such an interesting origin. The origin dates back to a time following World War I. After many lost lives and years of fighting, World War I’s fighting ceased on November 11, 1918. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson announced the first commemoration of what was known as Armistice Day at that time. This means that the opposing sides reached a truce. President Wilson’s reflective remarks encouraged citizens to be filled with solemn pride and gratitude for those who served in the war.

According to history noted through the veteran’s administration, Congress ofcially recognized the end of World War I by passing a resolution in 1926. The second paragraph of the resolution echoes the sentiments of President Wilson by encouraging all to celebrate the occasion with a thankful heart. The recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations. Unfortunately, strife consumed the air, and our country was once again entangled in another war, World War II. Our country continued to honor those who served. On May 13, 1938, Armistice Day was ofcially declared to be a holiday that would be observed every November 11th. The shift also led to Armistice Day being referred to as Veteran’s Day. Veterans Day ofered an expansion of not only recognizing members who served in World War I but all service members. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are misrepresented at times because both days honor service members. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died while serving in the military. Veterans Day celebrates and honors all service members who have served. Knowing the diference between the two can greatly impact the way in which we celebrate or pay our respects. When I raised my hand on November 3rd a few years ago, I only knew the bare minimum of what it meant to serve. At the time of swearing in, I stood amongst many others raising their hands and repeating the oath, promising to serve and protect our country. It was a moment of anxiety mixed with pride and joy. A huge decision was made, and the unknown future lay on the other side of that oath. Within the first few weeks of basic training, we were all hit with the raw truth of what it really means to serve. When you see a veteran, know that with the raising of their right hand, they promised to protect our country. Veterans have been taught to serve and wear the uniform with a sense of pride. The right hand symbolizes the spirit of integrity and honoring our country with excellence in duty and actions. Veteran’s Day is more than the eleventh day, the eleventh month, and the eleventh hour. It is the thousands of service members who dared to raise their right hand in uncertainty, agreeing to answer the call of a glorious nation. This Veteran’s Day we salute all veterans near and far. Thank you for raising your hand.

CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL VETERANS