A Readiness to Die

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” -G.K. Chesterton

Tomorrow, America and many countries around the world will gather for parades and ceremonies and a somber moment of silence on the 11th hour to honor Veterans Day. Also celebrated in some countries as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, November 11th commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice in 1918 that ended World War I. The day still exists to honor the 24.9 million military veterans in the United States.

Did you know?

• This year, an estimated 21% of employers in the U.S. plan to observe Veterans Day by offering a day off to employees — employers in the state of Iowa are even required to offer the day off to veterans who would otherwise be working.
• The holiday was traditionally celebrated by having a ravioli meal, dating back to when President Woodrow Wilson invited 2,000 returning soldiers to the White House and helped his staff chefs cook them ravioli.
• In 1971, Veterans Day was moved from November 11th to the 4th Monday of October. It was returned to November 11th in 1978.

Veterans Day offers us a chance to reflect on the element of courage that G.K. Chesterton refers to as a “readiness to die”. How does this ever-present threat and fear of death affect veterans returning from our wars, as well as the willingness of new troops to join the ranks?

What do you plan to do to honor Veterans Day 2011? Share your thoughts and your Veterans Day plans in the comments below!