Most of us in Cook County know that Veterans Day— originally called Armistice Day—began as a celebration of peace. Although World War I officially ended in June of 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, fighting actually ended with a 1918 armistice that went into effect at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11.
The following November, President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 a commemoration of Armistice Day, and a 1938 act of Congress made Nov. 11 a legal holiday.
Armistice Day was originally a day to honor WWI veterans, but following WWII and the Korean conflict, the word “Armistice” was replaced by the word “Veterans,” to recognize all members of the U.S. military.
Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served—not only those who died—have sacrificed and done their duty.
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs there are approximately 9.2 million veterans over the age of 65 and 1.9 million veterans under the age of 35.
I appreciate Veterans Day, and thank the country and county for acknowledging our service.
However I believe there could be one more way to acknowledge our service, that is by providing an office for our County Veterans Service Officer Pat Strand. Currently she does not have office space in the courthouse and must use a conference room to meet with veterans who are asking for her assistance. Veterans need a space to complete documents, file claims, obtain direction for medical assistance, or maybe just speak with the county service officer.
She provides a valuable service to us. Can’t we find a small office for her?
Peter J. Mueller
Grand Marais
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