Veterans Day was celebrated on November 11 this year in honor of all military men and women, past and present who served in the armed forces of the United States. Nov. 11, 1918 saw the end of World War I and was called Armistice Day, but the name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. This day is celebrated to honor the 41 million Americans who fought in our wars or guarded America in peacetime. Most were ordinary citizens holding regular jobs until they were called to serve our country.
During World War II, with the fall of Manila and other Pacific Islands,11 Navy nurses and 66 Army nurses fell into the hands of the Japanese and were sent to internment camps. These women did not stay idle, instead they set up hospitals for thousands of prisoners and spent their time until the end of the war tending to the sick and wounded despite limited supplies and medicines. All 77 of these nurses survived and became known as “The Angels of Bataan and Coregidor” They are remembered in the National World War Museum in New Orleans.
Many entertainers also joined the ranks of the armed forces, including Jimmy Stewart, a Clark Gable, and Clint Eastwood to name a few. Other entertainers volunteered their time to entertain the troops, including Bing Crosby and Bob Hope along with many Miss Americas. Several famous sports figures also served in the armed forces including Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams and Warren Spahn. We can be proud of all of them, they are part of our heritage.
Margaret S, Education Elder