Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement paying tribute to America’s veterans:

“I am reminded this time each year that Veterans Day was established following the end of World War I, which many idealistically hoped would be ‘the war to end all wars.’  Unfortunately, as we now know, World War I was not the last conflict of this nature.”

“In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed November 11 would commemorate Armistice Day, recognizing the official end of World War I with the signing of the First Armistice.  Armistice Day was to be a day ‘…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…’”

“Armistice Day was made a national holiday by Congress in 1938, before World War II, which required a significant mobilization of American forces.  In 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day, a day on which we honor American veterans of all wars.”

“Today, Veterans Day, is a day to pay tribute to the generations of men and women who have selflessly served our great nation in our Armed Forces.  I thank our nation’s veterans and those who are currently serving for their commitment to freedom and liberty.  May God bless them and their families, and may God bless these United States.”

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