November 11

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, 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."

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Armistice Day was so named because WWI ended on 11/11/1918 and was later changed to Veteran's Day to honor all those who have served.

Today I remember my First Cousin F. M. "Bud" Beman who served in WWII and was in France for part of that service.  I found some pictures of him and his buddies goofing around for the camera and thought I would share them.  The first on has Bud and one of his friends with a little French girl written on the back.

L to R.  Mike, Kay holding Randy and Bud.

After the war he returned to Ames, worked at the Post Office and eventually retired as Postmaster.  Here are a couple of pictures from that era.

And I also keep in mind all of those serving today.  This is from one of my former student's who is over there now.   4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Tomahawks