Veterans Day
It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when an armistice was signed ending the ‘Great War’, the war to end all wars. However, as we know from history, that name would later become World War One.
In 1921, was when an unknown World War I American soldier was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. It would become known officially in 1926 as “Armistice Day.” From then on towns across the nation held parades and ceremonies marking the veterans of that war and the end of hopefully all wars. 
With the end of the second World War in 1945, a veteran of that war named Raymond Weeks organized “National Veterans Day” with a parade and festivities to honor all veterans. The November 11th day, Armistice Day was selected. In 1954 Veterans Day became a national holiday. It has become a time to thank all veterans in peacetime or war for their efforts to help protect America.
So in doing your family history, you do want to make sure you have included all ancestors who served in any branch of the United States military. You might also locate some who served in the military in another country. Remember your female ancestors also. Women, especially became important in the beginning of World War II, serving in the Women’s branch of army, navy, and air corp.
Go back further and you might a female ancestor who served during World War One (1917-1919). There were over 21,000 who were Army nurses, and 13,000 in the U. S. Navy.
Look for any service medals, uniforms, discharge papers, letters or photos that would help you pin down when and where you had a relative in the military.
Photos: Thank you to Veterans, Twins who served, Ray “Slim” Mathis and Jay “Fat” Mathis, were veterans of World War II and Korea, Parade in 1921 in Florida and my parents-Nan and Harry – both veterans.
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