8 minute read
Way of the World
Page 2 Lost Creek Guide November 4, 2020
– Way of the World – History of Veteran’s Day
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Cont. from Page 1 by Bob Grand ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
Realty and Perception. The election process is ending. What have we been living An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of through? Is it reality or perception driven? Reality is the sum of all that is real or existent November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace within a system. Perception is a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting . This and to be thereafter celebrated and known as «Armistice Day.» Armistice Day was primaryear there has seen an extraordinary effort to influence how we think or perceive things. ily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had Aggravated by COVID 19, where gatherings were discouraged. The ability to discuss and required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s debate was limited. So, the effort to outspend and out influence was huge. If a fraction history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the of what was spent was applied on worthwhile projects that effected the lives of people, urging of the veterans service especially young people, it would be of value. Great sums of money were spent on trying organizations, amended the to convince us on who to vote for. In reality, right or wrong, many people had their minds Act of 1938 by striking out the made up. Do not confuse them with facts, they knew what was best. Advertising money word «Armistice» and insertwas spent on trying to convince a small fraction of the public. The media, be it social ing in its place the word «Vetmedia, television, radio and lastly, unfortunately, print, made a lot of money but of what erans.» With the approval of value did they contribute. News and journalism are not what it was. The pretense of sug- this legislation (Public Law gesting it is fair and balance is absurdly false. I am a free market person, but I believe that 380) on June 1, 1954, Nowe have an environment where too much of what is called journalism can be bought, with vember 11th became a day to California and New York money and the rest of the country can be damned. That is not honor American veterans of healthy for a democracy to continue to survive. Aggravated by an educational system that all wars. appears to support mediocrity and that supports a go to college at all costs, and there are Later that same year, plenty of costs, we are not encouraging common sense development. We are building a on October 8th, President society that is being lead down the path of big government will take care of you, all of you. Dwight D. Eisenhower issued In reality big government takes care of itself first. Did you ever look at the government the first “Veterans Day Procsalary, retirement and health care programs and what that costs all of us? Has anyone lamation” which stated: “In asked what value is each job in government provide to the public? order to insure proper and The Hunter Biden story remains to unfold. But I suspect what he is accused of doing is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what has become acceptable conduct, across both President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, sides of the aisle. Our founding fathers intended elected government officials to be part Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, all veterans’ organizations, time. Specifically, to avoid what has happened. I do not believe any government official or Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts and the entire citizenry employee or members of their families, all members of their families, should be permit- will wish to join hands in ted to have personal dealings with companies that have government related businesses. For government officials or employees, a ban of at least 10 years before that can work for a company that has dealing with the government. I go to my quote of Lord Acton “power corrupts, total power corrupts totally”. We need to look at our local, county, state and federal level and unite to expose the relationships that exist that do not benefit the public but specific individuals at the expense of the public. Let us expose the relationships that deserved to be exposed and let people explain what is being done in the light of day. Like a light bulb in a New York tenement closet, let us see where the bugs scurry to. This is not a Democrat or Republican party issue, it is both. Where are the champions of the people? Are our elected officials afraid to deal with the reality? If so, expose them but at the least, let us not be afraid to bring attention to them. We need people in office who will represent the interests of the people. You should be able to ask, regularly, are you comfortable with the job you elected officials are doing? Is there a meaningful checks and balance system in place? Not just lip service. We have been trained to accept because an official is either a Democrat or Republican, they will do a good job. As Ronald Reagan said, “trust but verify”. Shame on us if do not continually ask for an accounting, not a meaningless three time a year how we all are doing dinner meeting. Both parties have fostered a do not ask how we are doing because, as a party loyalist you know we are doing the best for you after all we run the party. The Democrats have been dominated by the California and New York leadership extremists and the tech groups. The Republicans are a little more locally centered but nonetheless are also guilty. I for one have had enough. You should get my support if you have earned it and continue to earn it every day, not just because you are of a particular party. I invite anyone to contact me if interested in participating in a developing a working the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.” On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee. In 1958, the White House advised VA’s General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee’s chairman. The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, group focusing on discussing how to bring common sense to government, at all levels. 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the Do you really think any of the party regulars, in either party, really want the system to annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. change? This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all
As always. your thoughts and comments are appreciated. publisher@lostcreekguide. major veterans service organizations and the American people. com Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
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