Veterans Day

Statement

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations took effect, ending World War, or what was then known as "the Great War." In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared that November 11th would be known as Armistice Day and would commemorate the cessation of the conflict.

In light of World War II, the Korean War, and the more than 21 million service members who fought in these two wars, Congress and President Eisenhower declared in 1954 that Armistice Day would now be recognized as Veterans Day and would commemorate the service and sacrifice of all veterans in all wars. In his proclamation address, President Eisenhower wrote, "Let us 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, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain."

Each year, we honor President Eisenhower's decree and commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I by recognizing the men and women who served our great nation in all wars. We recognize Veterans Day through ceremonies and speeches, and we speak of conflicts and the numbers involved. Though these are all important things to remember, we must also remember the individual service and sacrifice.

Our nation has promised not to forget, yet so many veterans pass without speaking of their experiences. We should celebrate this day by telling their stories. That is why I have partnered with the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project to ensure the stories of Ohio's veterans are not forgotten. The Veterans History Project collects and preserves the personal accounts of veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and understand the human costs of war. These accounts are collected through personal narratives, which may take the form of written memoirs or interviews, as well as written correspondence, personal diaries, and even photographs and drawings.

The Veterans History Project collects these first-hand accounts of service members from 17 wars our men and women in uniform have served in, beginning with World War I to the Afghan and Iraq Wars. Additionally, civilians who were active in supporting the war effort, whether by working in war industry factories, serving as medical volunteers, or serving in countless other valued capacities, are also welcomed to participate.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran who is interested in participating in the Veterans History Project, I would encourage you to go to loc.gov/vets and read about how to participate and preserve a critical moment in our nation's history from the perspective of some of its greatest individuals.

I ask you to join me this Veterans Day in thanking our veterans for their service to our nation. Let us keep all those serving in our military in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all men and women who wear or have worn our nation's uniform. We are forever indebted to you. And God bless America.

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