Veterans For Peace have posted the following reflections on celebrating Veterans Day this year:
Over the last several years, Veterans For Peace chapters have taken the lead in celebrating Armistice Day on November 11 lifting up the original intention of that day – a worldwide call for peace that was spurred by universal revulsion at the huge slaughter of World War One.
Veterans For Peace is calling on all our members and allies to once again take a stand for peace this Armistice Day.
This year, with a political arena fueled by hate and fear, it is as urgent as ever to ring the bells for peace. No matter who is elected president, the need for our work will continue. We must press our government to end reckless military interventions that endanger the entire world. We must build a culture of peace.
We call for the observance of Veterans Day to be in keeping with the holiday’s original intent, to be “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace,” as it was celebrated at the ending of World War I when the world came together to recognize the need for lasting peace. After World War II, the U.S. Congress decided to re-brand November 11 as Veterans Day. Honoring the warrior quickly morphed into honoring the military and glorifying war. Armistice Day, as a result, has been flipped from a day for peace into a day for displays of militarism.”
Some of the ways suggested to celebrate the original Armistice Day spirit:
“Ring bells at 11 am on November 11th, as was done at the end of World War One”
“Approach churches and ask them to ring bells at 11 am on November 11th”
“March in your community’s Veterans Day Parade and bring peace into the commemoration/discussion”
“Write an op-ed or letter to the editor”
Gail Souther
Bitterroot Committee for Peace