Today we call ‘Veterans Day’ thanks to the 1954 Congress who changed the name from ‘Armistice Day.’ One hundred years ago, at the 11th hour (in France) of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was declared, and “after 1567 days the greatest war in history ended…” reported the Nashua Telegraph newspaper. [Read the terms of the armistice in detail here]
Headlines across the world screamed the news that the war had ended though there would continue to be deaths. More than thirty-five hundred casualties occurred among the American Expeditionary Forces on ‘Armistice Day’ itself. Still others would die of wounds from that day and before that day, and of influenza and other deadly diseases. Some would drown or die of accidents before they were able to be sent home. It wasn’t over until it was over. Also, the armistice was a cease fire, but not a peace treaty. Continue reading
