Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially established Veterans Day in the United States. He called upon all citizens to “pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this nation and solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.”

We celebrate and honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

When first celebrated as Armistice Day, the day marked the end of World War I, formally recognized on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month” in 1918.
Today we continue to celebrate the day as Veterans Day, still recognizing the original tie with November 11. That means Veterans Day is on the same day every year -- November 11 -- regardless of on which day of the week it falls.

Our Cathedral has had a number of troops that have served our country with valiance, zeal, and sacrifice. Because of their sacrifice, we can enjoy the freedoms that many of us take for granted. Please take a moment to honor and recognize those who serve today and did so in the past. And if you have a family member or friend who is serving or has served, please say thank you to them and remember them in your prayers. Without them, we would not be able to call our nation “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

God bless our troops and God bless America!
Father Dean