Today there’s a lively exchange going on in the Google Group composed of members of my high school graduating class. About 10% of the class was in the military. One ascended to the rank of colonel in the Air Force. At least one of my high school classmates died in Vietnam.
I don’t have a great deal to say about the holiday. All of those who served during World War I are dead now and soon no one who even remembers the Great War will remain. Circumstances are very different now than they were when Armistice Day became Veteran’s Day. IMO the holiday should be retired.
“Circumstances are very different now than they were when Armistice Day became Veteran’s Day. IMO the holiday should be retired.”
You could make the same argument with labor day or most holidays.
Circumstances change over time, and we still have veterans, so veteran’s day is as relevant as any other.
I think its one of the holidays that contributes to the American ethos. That can have downsides when one political party or politician tries to claim the military as his own or when we lionize them too much but overall its positive and I would keep it. Besides, I often get asked to give the network speech on Veterans Day. Its my chance to promote communist propaganda and try to tune everyone into good little socialists. (Just kidding. We always have someone from one of the local VFW groups also speak. For the last 5 years it is a guy who goes way past the time limit and basically does a Trump campaign speech. Liberals are evil dont you know?)
Steve
Praising veterans is something most people agree with and it is usually nice weather to be outside. I think it makes more sense to retire Columbus Day.