Veterans Day
Formerly known as Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918 was the day on which World War I formally ended. After four bloody years of conflict, much of Europe was again at peace and could begin to rebuild from the devastation of war. After World War II an effort was started to remember all American soldiers who had fought in war on Armistice Day and finally, in 1954, the holiday was formally changed to Veterans Day.
George Shultz receiving the customary first piece of cake as the oldest Marine present at the Marine Corps birthday ceremony, Hoover Institution, Nov. 10, 2011 credit: Nick Siekierski
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a birthday celebration for the United States Marine Corps, held at the Hoover Institution. In attendance were veterans of World War II and the Korean War, including former Secretary of State George Shultz and Hoover Fellow Richard Burris, who led Marines in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Although World War II veterans are ever fewer and the last of them will be gone within a generation, I am reminded of how important it is to remember our history and the lessons it teaches us. There are never easy answers in war, but we can still look with admiration and awe at those young men, in the prime of their lives, who took up arms to fight for their country, many thousands of whom would never see the fruits of their sacrifice.
Polish Independence DayStatue of Marshal Joseph Pilsudski, commander of the Polish Legions during World War I and leader of Poland thereafter, Warsaw, October 2010, credit: Nick Siekierski
November 11 also holds a special significance in Polish history. On this day in 1918, Poland formally regained her independence after 123 years of being partitioned between the Prussian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires. Weathering the storm of cultural oppression, not existing on the map of Europe for over a century and several failed national uprisings, the Poles finally disarmed their enemies and took control of the country.
Although in the past I have thought of my dual identity as an American of Polish descent as a burden, I have finally come to realize that it is my greatest asset. Thanks to this I am able to reflect on and honor the greatest aspects of both nations.
In the case of this dual holiday, I am able to more deeply appreciate the freedoms of the United States when compared to Poland’s history, where hope for independence was nearly lost. At the same time I can appreciate the passion and determination that can only materialize when you have lost everything but your honor.
Wherever we are, today is a good day to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by those that have gone before us, and the awesome responsibility that we bear, through our actions, to ensure that sacrifice has been worth the cost.
