Word War I ended 11.11.11.1918–the Armistice was signed at 5 am in France and hostilities ended at 11 am. Most European countries, Canada, and the U.S. celebrate this event as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Victory Day, Independence Day, WWI Memorial Day, and Veterans’ Day. Attempts to celebrate on other days and in other months have been totally unsuccessful. So 11 November it is.
In his speech today, Vice President Biden talked about the importance of this day. And he reminded us that since 9-11, more than 3.5 million Americans have joined the Armed Forces, with 2.6 million deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan or both, some for multiple deployments. And these deployments continue, as another 3,000 prepare to serve in Iraq. He called these veterans 9-11 Warriors.
Great Britain celebrated surrounded by porcelain red poppies–thousands of them–hand crafted to acknowledge the significance of Armistice to British freedom. Sponsors paid $40.00 per poppy; each donor will receive poppies as a token of thanks.
Kate Smith performed Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” for the first time on her New York radio show, 11 Nov 1938. And it became our No.1 patriotic song–sung millions of time through the next decades in war after war.
11.11.11. Hallowed Numbers. Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://arleneeakle.com