Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Raymond Weeks, a little known World War II veteran. Weeks launched a one-man crusade 65-years ago to honor military personnel who served their country. His tireless campaign prompted Congress to officially recognize Veterans Day in 1954.
The bill signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower capped a seven-year effort by Weeks. November 11th was designated as the official observance. At exactly 11 a.m. on that day, a wreath is laid at the tomb of the unknown soldiers buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River.
Understanding the significance of the time and date requires a bit of background. Major hostilities in World War I ended at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 with Germany's signing of the armistice.
The day was officially crowned Armistice Day in 1926 by Congressional action. Although it is still celebrated, especially in Europe, Armistice Day has given way to Veterans Day as an official holiday for U.S. federal workers.
Armistice Day had already begun to fade from the scene when Weeks opened his campaign in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1947, he organized the very first parade to recognize war veterans in his hometown. Even then he dreamed of expanding the idea beyond his city.
His plan was not only to honor America's war dead, as Memorial Day does, but to recognize all veterans who served in the country's armed forces.
The patriotic Weeks bent the ear of every politician and military general who would listen. He struck pay dirt when he presented his proposal to Eisenhower while the general was serving as the Army's Chief of Staff. Eisenhower remembered the Alabama veteran's idea after he was elected president.
Congress passed legislation on June 1 of 1954 renaming Armistice Day as Veterans Day. The historic act included this language: "...let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly" to "preserve our heritage of freedom."
The man who conceived the idea served as director of the Birmingham National Veterans Day celebration for 38 years until his death in 1985. For his noble efforts, Weeks was recognized by President Ronald Reagan, who presented him the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982.
Each Veterans Day should remind every American of the nation's heroes who sacrificed to serve their country, including those who gave up their lives. If you are too busy to attend a parade, tribute or a memorial service, at least take a moment to silently thank these selfless women and men.
Don't forget to also pay tribute to Raymond Weeks. He proved that an ordinary person can make a difference in the greatest country on this blessed earth.
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