Over my 12 years of research, I’ve been fascinated by the different military caps worn by those who served. Each a specific marker of their contribution and the branch they joined. Be it the increasingly rare survivors of WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, or perhaps our most recent skirmishes, these hats are a symbol, proudly worn, representing those whose lives were altered in defense of our country.
That is why we should understand and observe Veterans Day.
Special caps were designated to be worn in honor of specific WWII battles and accomplishments.
Junior Office George Forbes (left) is wearing his white beret allowed to be worn by seamen who served on Arctic convoys to Russia.
The Pearl Harbor Survivor cap (right) was made solely for those who fought that day.
The cap tells so much.
The horrors of World War I were formally halted when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. This prodigious day arrived on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918.
One year later, on November 11, 1919, in conjunction with the other countries who celebrate the anniversary of end of WWI, President Woodrow Wilson spoke these prophetic words from the White House to his countrymen in observance of the first Armistice Day.
“…We (The Americans) were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought. Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.”
On May 13, 1938, the US Congress approved a resolution to mark November 11th as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”
As World War II came to an end in 1945, Raymond Weeks proposed to General Dwight Eisenhower that Armistice Day should celebrate all veterans. Time marched on, as did the increasing parades for veterans. Then in 1954, now sitting President Eisenhower amended the bill replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans” furthermore sanctioning the day as a national holiday. Thereafter, the persistent Weeks became known as the “The Father of Veterans Day.”
As part of the Armistice Centennial ceremony on November 11, 2018, in Kansas City, wreaths were laid in honor of the lives lost from each continent that served, represented by service members from Canada, Belgium, United States, Rwanda, Japan, Australia and Brazil.
So it is that on 11/11, Veterans Day, we celebrate those who served in all branches of the United States military. On Memorial Day, in May, we remember those who gave their lives during service.
Either day, actually every day, we should give thanks to those who selflessly dedicated their youth and lives, in order to provide us with the freedom we now enjoy. We should honor this day as it was intended “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace” and those who help us maintain that precious gift.
Peace is not free, yet it provides us freedom.
Remember, when you see a veteran wearing their cap signifying their branch of service, tip your hat at them in thanks.
Lovely tribute and great information. Thanks!