In a world tormented by tension and the possibilities of conflict, we meet in a quiet commemoration of an historic day of peace. In an age that threatens the survival of freedom, we join together to honor those who made our freedom possible. The resolution of the Congress which first proclaimed Armistice Day, described November 11, 1918, as the end of “the most destructive, sanguinary and far-reaching war in the history of human annals.” That resolution expressed the hope that the First World War would be, in truth, the war to end all wars. It suggested that those men who had died had therefore not given their lives in vain.

It is a tragic fact that these hopes have not been fulfilled, that wars still more destructive and still more sanguinary followed, that man’s capacity to devise new ways of killing his fellow men have far outstripped his capacity to live in peace with his fellow men.Some might say, therefore, that this day has lost its meaning, that the shadow of the new and deadly weapons have robbed this day of its great value, that whatever name we now give this day, whatever flags we fly or prayers we utter, it is too late to honor those who died before, and too soon to promise the living an end to organized death.

But let us not forget that November 11, 1918, signified a beginning, as well as an end. “The purpose of all war,” said Augustine, “is peace.” The First World War produced man’s first great effort in recent times to solve by international cooperation the problems of war. That experiment continues in our present day — still imperfect, still short of its responsibilities, but it does offer a hope that some day nations can live in harmony.

For our part, we shall achieve that peace only with patience and perseverance and courage — the patience and perseverance necessary to work with allies of diverse interests but common goals, the courage necessary over a long period of time to overcome…[a skilled adversary].

Do please take a guess as to who it is and when it was, then click and read it all.

October 1916; Allied troops passing Lochnagar Crater. At 11:00 am on this eleventh day of the eleventh month, we pause to remember a solemn intention, even if one as yet unfulfilled. That wars may end between nations, and peace prevail. #ArmisticeDay #LestWeForget #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/c4Uh3Z8lTS

— Jeff Gill (@Knapsack) November 11, 2021

You can find a page of 4 graphs there. There is also a research summary here and an infographic there. An excellent short summary of the history of Veterans Day may be found at this link. Finally, a link for the Veterans History Project is well worth your time exploring today. The VA’s National Cemetery Administration currently maintains 155 national cemeteries (you can find more facts about the national Cemetery Administration there). Twenty percent (105,845 Veterans interred in FY 2020) of U.S. Veterans who died (estimated 592,682 in FY 2020) in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in FY 2020 were buried in a national, state or tribal Veterans cemetery. As new national, state and tribal Veterans cemeteries open, this percentage is expected to increase.

Finally, a 16 page teachers guide for Veteran’s Day 2021 may be found there.

For all his accomplishments and fame, actor Lee Marvin chose to be remembered as a Private First Class of Marines. pic.twitter.com/ipVqYIjR6x

— Bob Smalser (@spraguepond) November 10, 2021

In 2020, a small town in South Carolina unofficially became known as the hometown of living war heroes.

Last year, on Sept. 11, Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas Patrick Payne stood at attention in his pink and green dress uniform at the White House when then-President Donald Trump draped the Medal of Honor across his shoulders for his bravery under fire in Iraq that resulted in the rescue of 70 Iraqi prisoners.

He became the first living U.S. Army Special Operations soldier from South Carolina to receive the military’s highest accolade.

But Payne was the second Medal of Honor recipient who claimed roots in the small South Carolina town of Batesburg-Leesville.

In 2014, Cpl. Kyle Carpenter’s scarred and wounded face was broadcast around the world when he was awarded the Medal of Honor by then-President Barack Obama for his split-second decision to throw his body toward a grenade in Afghanistan to save his fellow Marines.

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In 2020, a small town in South Carolina unofficially became known as the hometown of living war heroes.

Kyle Carpenter and Patrick Payne were strangers growing up in their small South Carolina town, but they're now bonded for life by the Medal of Honor. https://t.co/gQINulOzQy

— Thomas Novelly (@TomNovelly) November 11, 2021

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

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If you see this guy, be sure to wish him a Happy 100th Birthday! Ralph Painter served as a WWII veteran and was in one of the first two tanks that went into Normandy. An incredible story you won’t want to miss this #VeteransDay on @WRCB. pic.twitter.com/z1RsHXYzd0

— Angela Kim WRCB (@AngelaWRCB) November 11, 2021

Governor of Nations, our Strength and Shield:
we give you thanks for the devotion and courage
of all those who have offered military service for this country:

For those who have fought for freedom; for those who laid down their lives for others;
for those who have borne suffering of mind or of body;
for those who have brought their best gifts to times of need.

On our behalf they have entered into danger,
endured separation from those they love,
labored long hours, and borne hardship in war and in peacetime.
Lift up by your mighty Presence those who are now at war;
encourage and heal those in hospitals
or mending their wounds at home;
guard those in any need or trouble;
hold safely in your hands all military families;
and bring the returning troops to joyful reunion
and tranquil life at home;

Give to us, your people, grateful hearts
and a united will to honor these men and women
and hold them always in our love and our prayers;
until your world is perfected in peace
through Jesus Christ our Savior.

–The Rev. Jennifer Phillips

Today is Rememberance Day, lest we forget ❤ #RemembranceDay pic.twitter.com/Gq9vvUqRqV

— (@Matt_Pinner) November 11, 2021

Lord God of hosts, who didst clothe thy servant Martin the soldier with the spirit of sacrifice, and didst set him as a bishop in thy Church to be a defender of the catholic faith: Give us grace to follow in his holy steps, that at the last we may be found clothed with righteousness in the dwellings of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Today is the feast of St Martin of Tours who is best remembered for dividing his cloak to share it with a beggar. Here's the event in 13c glass in @museecluny, Paris. He's one of the patron saints of France, with a shrine in Tours Cathedral.
1/2@stainedglassmus pic.twitter.com/96xzUlceBx

— Simon Knott (@last_of_england) November 11, 2021

ALMIGHTY God, without whose aid we can do nothing: Endue us with thy Spirit of power from on high, that out of weakness we may be made strong; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

—Daily Prayer, Eric Milner-White and G. W. Briggs, eds. (London: Penguin Books 1959 edition of the 1941 original)

Scarred beauty. pic.twitter.com/zXpJtOxL6j

— Tom Zapiecki (@TomZapiecki) November 10, 2021

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; he has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and he has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” Once more they cried, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who is seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And from the throne came a voice crying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure” –for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.”

–Revelation 19:1-9

pic.twitter.com/2yOfxMKHNJ

— charlie mackesy (@charliemackesy) November 11, 2021