“They Stood Up For Us”

War.

We wish our fathers and mothers; brothers and sisters; sons and daughters didn’t have to fight.

But, without war, there wouldn’t be Liberty in these United States of America.

Going back over 200 years, the Revolutionary War gave us independence from British rule.

Then, skipping over a few wars, the War Between the States prevented the country from being divided into the North and the South.

Next, the world’s powerful nations split into the Allies versus the Central Powers and fought the Great War, later known as World War I.

On an important day, November 11, 1918, the world powers signed an armistice to end the Great War. That date became known as Armistice Day – and still is in Europe.

In the United States, President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed November 11, 1919 as Armistice Day. He said, “To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

The next major war, World War II, involved the world’s most powerful nations again. America entered the war and sent our military personnel to fight for Liberty and Justice. Afterwards, the Korean War, occurred in the early 1950s.

During these years, people worked to recognize the veterans from the wars after World War I.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing November 11, Armistice Day, into Veteran’s Day to remember and recognize all of America’s veterans.

For a brief time beginning in 1971, Veteran’s Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October. But, in 1978, Veteran’s Day returned to its more appropriate date of November 11.

Today, we have veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf Wars and other wars on foreign soil who should be remembered and recognized for their efforts on our behalf.

In both the classic and modern commemorative coins, the US Mint has recognized the military, the events and the places of many of the wars and the branches of the military.

This coin is the commemorative silver dollar recognizing disabled veterans, but the inscription on the coin expresses sentiment that should be held for all veterans: “They Stood Up For Us.”

Disabled Veterans Commemorative Silver Dollar obverse

The reverse of the Disabled Veterans Commemorative Silver Dollar reminds us to “Take this moment to honor our disabled defenders of freedom.”

Disabled Veterans Commemorative Silver Dollar reverse

Some people are pacifists and think war is never the answer. Others believe war is necessary as a last resort.

The individuals who join the military and who “stand up” for the freedom we enjoy are not the ones who start the wars.

So, regardless of personal beliefs, we should all recognize the contributions of our military and show our appreciation, especially today.

Let’s honor all of our Defenders of Freedom.

Here’s a thank you to all of our military veterans, and an additional thank you to all of our current military personnel located around the world.

Your efforts – both large and small – are appreciated.

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the U.S. ARMED FORCES don’t have that problem.” Ronald Reagan

Further info:  The History of Veteran’s Day