Today, November 11, should be a National Holiday with the same emphasis as Memorial Day and Labor Day with parades and speeches honoring those who have served our country. Until recently November 11th seemed to be just another day.
In 1938, Congress set aside a day to honor world peace and called it Armistice Day, to honor the end of World War I (11/11/1918). In 1954, after surviving World War II and the Korean War Congress replaced the word Armistice with Veterans. In the early 1970’s efforts to make this day a Monday holiday failed. After that the day became a Federal Holiday with local, state and federal employees and bankers getting the day off whether they served our country or not.
Those who know me well know this lack of respect for all Veterans has always been a way to put me on my soap box. I remember all too well how those returning from Viet Nam were treated and believe as a result these same veterans are the reason those serving our country today are held in such high esteem.
During my days at DMACC it always bothered me that the Veterans I knew went off to work on November 11 and my banker or government employee friends enjoyed the day off. Most not even knowing why or how this day came about.
In an off the wall discussion at Cooney’s with Adam Mason I found someone who didn’t think I was crazy when ranting (at least about this topic). Mason knows his way around the State House and found support for a Bill (Rep Ray Zirkelbach, D-Monticello) that would provide ALL Iowa Veterans the right to enjoy their day. In a session more concerned about not doing something to cause a person to miss re-election HF 2197 passed 97-2. (For the record the 2 assholes voting No were Rep Ralph Watts, R-Adel and Bruce Hunter, D-Des Moines. Neither mention Military Service in their official bios. Paul Shomshor, D-Council Bluff was absent). Governor Chet Culver signed the Bill in April.
The law isn’t perfect because it did not make the day a paid holiday, like the government employees and bankers enjoy, but it does make Iowa the First State to declare it a true “Veterans” holiday.
I’m now concerned that too many Veterans and employers are unaware the law exists. I’ve read/seen very little in the local rag or local TV news shows or on Social Media about the holiday. They have all done a good job reminding us to honor those that served but little to inform us about the new law.
Please take a moment to thank those on active duty and the Veterans who have served on Friday, November 11 - then every time you see a man or woman in uniform stop and say “Thanks!”
In addition, I’d like to thank Adam Mason for carrying the ball on this one!
HF 2197 can be found at…
Enjoy a Playlist remembering the day....
Updated.... November 10, 2022
Originally posted November 11, 2010
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