Veterans Day should be remembered as a day for peace, equality
As Veterans Day approaches, perhaps it is time for Americans to reflect upon how such a day came to be. Almost 100 years ago, the world celebrated peace as a universal principal. The first World War had just ended, and nations mourning their dead collectively called for an end to all wars. Armistice Day was born and was designated as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated.”
After World War II, the U.S. Congress decided to rebrand Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. Honoring the warrior quickly morphed into honoring the military and glorifying war. Armistice Day was flipped from a day for peace into a day for displays of militarism.
More than ever, the world faces a critical moment. Tensions are heightened around the world, and the U.S. is engaged militarily in multiple countries, without an end in sight.
This Armistice Day, Veterans For Peace calls on the U.S. public to say no to more war and to demand justice and peace, at home and abroad. We know peace is possible and call for an end to all oppressive and violent policies, and for equality for all people.
Chris Knudson, Paso Robles
This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 8:50 PM with the headline "Veterans Day should be remembered as a day for peace, equality."