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Monday, we honor generations of servicemen who have earned the title of American veteran.

Like many nations, the United States dedicates a day every year to remember those who served in the nation’s armed forces, and to honor the sacrifice of those who perished in the service of their country. 

For most of the nations who participated in the First World War, that day is November 11. In the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice, or end of hostilities, went into effect and fighting stopped. Although it was not the end of the First World War – it officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919 – many considered November 11 to be the end of the conflict. 

In the United States, for two decades afterward, November 11 was unofficially celebrated as Armistice Day, an occasion to honor veterans of what was then called the Great War. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower expanded the holiday to honor all who have served in uniform, both in war and peace, and finally, in 1971, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, thus better reflecting the spirit of the celebration.

Monday, we will honor those generations of veterans, who have fought in America’s wars in defense of our freedom. With their selfless sacrifice, our Armed Forces have forged and defended the very idea of America – a promise of freedom and equality, democracy and justice, possibility and hope. We owe them an incredible debt that can never be fully repaid.

In every generation, America’s veterans have been willing to give all for that which we hold sacred – freedom, justice, and democracy. They have served selflessly, sacrificed greatly, and shouldered the burden of freedom quietly, asking no glory for themselves.

This weekend, we urge you to take time to visit the War Memorial downtown Elizabethton, on which the names of soldiers from Carter County killed in combat from World War to the present day are engraved on black granite stones. A flame burns continuously high above the War Memorial Park downtown in memory of the fallen soldiers.

Among those whose names are inscribed on the granite markers is Lt. Robert Lee Davis, who served in the Air Corps. Lt. Davis was in the Southwest Pacific when he was lost presumably while flying over the Pacific Ocean as no trace of the plane or the flier was ever found. The date was July 12, 1942.

Also, there were 60 MIAs and POWs from Carter County during World War II. They gazed from behind barbed wire and wondered when and if they would possibly breathe the free air of their home again.

Then there was Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc. There was more war death, more POWs. Tom McCloud spent 33 months in a Korean POW camp. All gave some, and some gave all.

Across the street from the Veterans War Memorial is the Wall of Honor, which contains bricks with the names of Carter County veterans inscribed on them.

Not all served when there was a war, many served in peacetime. But, they were willing to serve, to protect and defend their country. They, too, deserve to be recognized for their service to this country and their willingness to give all for freedom.

This Veterans Day, let us honor them by living up to their example – putting service before self, caring for our neighbors, and working passionately to build a more perfect Union worthy of all those who protect our lives and liberty.