After being in quarantine for months, some of you are wondering, “What IS a moment of silence?” as you have spent hectic days trying to work from home and handle a houseful of small children who are also dealing with lockdown. Silence is, therefore, a rare commodity. Others of you – at the opposite end of the spectrum – are retired and may be living alone where the moment stretches into what seems like an eternity of silence. Yet, there is a purpose for the moment to which we refer.
Wikipedia describes it as “a period of silent contemplation, prayer, reflection or meditation.” It’s a sign of respect for those who have recently died or were the victims of a tragic event in history. The first recorded moment of silence is said to have occurred in Portugal in 1912 in honor of one of its leaders. There used to be a moment of silence in schools, following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to begin the day’s studies. Sporting events may request a moment of silence when one of their own has passed away. Such a time is similar to flying a flag at half-mast to honor the dead.
Tomorrow (November 11th) is known as Veterans Day. It was originally called Armistice Day in commemoration of the signing of an end to World War I on November 11, 1918. Armistice is an agreement by opposing sides to stop fighting; it’s a truce or a ceasefire. The day was first proclaimed as such by President Woodrow Wilson a year later, and it became a federal holiday in 1938. Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954 in order to honor the veterans of all wars. Interestingly, George Patton, a famous World War II general, was born on November 11th.
The flag is typically flown that day to show support for the military and appreciation for every veteran. In 2018 veterans in the United States numbered 18 million – fewer than 500,000 were WWII vets. About 9% of our veterans are women.
The armistice was signed on November 11th at 5:10 AM, but it was to go into effect at 11:00 AM to give time for the notification to go out. Thus, it was common in the years that followed for a moment of silence to be observed at 11:00 AM. Where has that gone?
We just had an election. Not every country has one. From where did the freedom for that come? It came on the backs of those who carried our flag and fought for our country. We’re so cavalier about our lives nowadays. We think having to wear a mask and be restricted in the places we can go is inconvenient. I doubt if those who stormed the beach at Normandy were very concerned about their local pub being closed for awhile.
So, raise your flags! Say “Thank you” to a veteran. You probably know at least one. And, take time to offer a moment of silence for those who gave their very lives in the service of this country.
An attitude of gratitude never hurt anyone…
“Appreciate those who diligently work (or serve) among you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13)
Thank you to all who served and to those who continue to serve.
Amen. May we never forget to be grateful – for whose we are; for who we are; for those who serve and have served on our behalf.
We celebrated with 3 vets for breakfast at Campbells!
Very well done!!!! A great reminder!!!! Love our Vets!!!!! Thank you to all!!!
God Bless America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave – they are the ones who keep it that way. We should not only thank them, but we should tell them how thankful we are that even though the government sent them, God is who brought them back.