Veterans Day
The 11th November, is observed annually across the world to honor military veterans, who have served in the armed forces.
The date is in recognition of the hostilities of the First World War formally ending, with the German signing of the Armistice coming into effect at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918 (Paris time).
The anniversary is always marked with special remembrance programs, and as well as the ones on television, there are also many radio shows on RUSC, such as Armistice Day.
Despite my efforts to clean up the audio, unfortunately this 1930 recording is not great sound quality but the story brings a picture of what actually happened along the many miles of frontline trenches when word was received that the War was over. More poignantly it was written by an American army officer who was actually there - a soldier just like World War I veteran Joseph Ambrose. (pictured)
If you look up the word Armistice, it means 'truce' or in my mind 'peace'. This is how it started out, until 1953, when Al King had the idea to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. So he began his campaign to turn Armistice Day into All Veterans Day. In 1954 congress amended this act and we now use this day to remember all our brave men who then and since lost their lives in war. It is commemorated as a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace.
If you like to listen to a little music and variety, there's a series called Sound Off that I'm fond of. It features favorites such as Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller and ran from 1946 - 1948. It was sponsored by the US Army as part of its recruiting program. Unfortunately only a handful of the shows remain, but they are remarkably good quality for almost 80 years old!
We also have the World at War Radio Station here on RUSC. You can listen to the radio station by clicking on the link below, or by clicking on the RUSC Radio menu option to the left.
Listen here: World at War Radio Station
If there's a particular show that has touched your heart in the past and you feel should be included in the radio station, please do let me know by posting a comment below, and I'll make sure that it's added.
Throughout history, our heroes of old time radio have not only kept the troops (and ourselves) entertained, many of them enlisted for service too. Can you guess who is who in our Veterans Day quiz? Let's see how you get on. I hope you'll enjoy completing it.
Finally, If you are wondering what to think about in the two-minute silence on Thursday, then just ponder this, for the sake of peace for all mankind it is important to remember the past so that we can renew and preserve the future.
Happy listening my friends,
