100 years ago...
World War I ended.
November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. Hence, November 11th had been observed as Armistice Day. [reference: This Day In History | November 11, 1918 - World War I ends ]
For me, World War I has a special meaning as my grandfather fought in this war. Fortunately, he lived another 50 years after it ended. Fathered my mother, who brought me into the world. And I still have his dog tags from his service.
Bur back in 1917, one of the popular songs to rally the troops was George M. Cohan's Over There:
And we won't come back till it's over
After the Great War was over, Over There, its remembrance Armistice Day was first observed in 1920. But in 1954 after the Korean War, it was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars. [reference: Why Armistice Day Became Veterans Day ]
sadly, my uncle lies beneath one of the white crosses so far away
thank you for helping America remember
never stop writing
m
If the Americans hadn't entered the war, Germany might have won. As it turned out, the armistice required Germany pay reparations to England and France that were excessive and through the country into economic decline… Ripe for Hitler and created World War II.
If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Any country that is forced into economic decline, become susceptible to autocratic leadership and militarization. Look around the globe at the countries that are doing this: most notably, North Korea and Iran, and you will see history repeating itself. When will we ever learn?
Ron