11.11.21 – A Veterans Day Message

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Today is a day that we pause and pay respect to those who have selflessly answered the call to serve our nation. Throughout history, in wartime and peace, the brave members of our United States Armed Forces have fought to secure our freedoms.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations….”

In 1938, legislation was made to make November 11 a legal holiday each year. It was known as Armistice Day. It was a day dedicated to world peace and held in honor of the veterans of World War I. In 1954 Congress changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. They wanted to honor the veterans of all wars, including World War II and the Korean War. In October of 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation.

On this Veterans Day, APFA would like to honor and thank all veterans, including our APFA members who have served and those who continue to serve our country. We are a safer nation because of your sacrifices and bravery. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice to our nation.