Friends, Veterans Day has its roots in Armistice Day which commemorates the November 11, 1918 signing of the armistice between the allied powers and Germany. This marked the end of hostilities on the Western Front, the withdrawal of troops, and the release of prisoners ahead of the formal peace treaty–the Treaty of Versailles–signed about seven and a half months later.
Remembrance Day–as it’s called in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth Countries–celebrates peace with the wearing of white or red poppy flowers, and one minute of silence. Remembrance Day enshrines a commitment to end all armed conflict, challenging the notion that war and militarism is the norm.
In 1954, the United States transformed Armistice Day–Remembrance Day–into Veterans Day, an annual veneration of those who have fought in war. These Veterans have fought in two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam, in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more.
Today, ahead of the U.S. observance of Veterans Day this weekend, it’s fitting that we honor the critical roots found in Armistice Day, affirming that–as people of love, compassion, and integrity–striving for peace and nonviolent solutions to conflict are essential. But just as important, is to acknowledge that we live in an imperfect world that needs the service of our Veterans–those who put themselves in harm's way so that others don’t have to.
I’d like to briefly share about a Veteran in my family. [SLIDE] Private Herbert Golding, pictured here, is my great grandfather, my grandfather’s father on my dad’s side. Herbert grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and volunteered to serve in World War I. In fact, he falsified his age to do so–he was actually older than the eligible age at the time.
As part of the Australian Infantry Forces, Herbert was sent to the Western Front in France. Serving alongside British and Canadians, Herbert was shot and died of wounds at Moquet Farm on July 16, 1916. Almost 9,000 other Australians lost their lives on that small patch of land. Two years later, 54,000 U.S. troops would continue the fighting in the Somme Campaign some 100 miles away.
My great grandfather’s service helps keep the tragic sacrifices of war close to my heart, while reminding me of the many thousands of Veterans who serve today. Some of these are family friends and Military Chaplains who I’ve had the chance to talk story with on base. Others are retired Veterans–teachers whom I am fortunate enough to serve alongside here at Seabury Hall.
Writing in this year’s Veterans Day Proclamation, President Biden calls us to “honor our wounded warriors” … “bound by a common sense of duty, courage, and optimism,” and not to forget “our military families, caregivers, and survivors [who] also answer the call to serve.” Seabury Hall, we indeed “owe them a debt we can never fully repay.”
