On Tuesday, November 11, we will observe Veterans Day. But did you know that the whole week has been designated National Veterans Awareness Week? What a wonderful opportunity to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of the country, and commitment to serve and sacrifice for the common good of the USA.
We at Patriot Mortgage have put toghther a special project in Honor of the Men and Woman serving our great country. Patriot Mortgage, together with Camera Corner and Evans Title of Green Bay are setting up video studios in each Patriot Mortgage Office (Appleton, Green Bay & Oshkosh), to allow family and friends to record a free video postcard to be sent to their loved on serving our country. For more information, please visit my website http://www.wisconsinloantips.com/vetday08.htm
Veterans Day dates back to November 11, 1918 when the Germans signed the Armistice, an order to cease fire, and World War I ended. Originally Veterans Day was known as "Armistice Day", but in 1953, the name was changed to Veterans Day, so that the many other military veterans could be honored and acknowledged as well.
One of the most recognized Veterans Day ceremonies is held at Arlington National Cemetery, which draws hundreds, if not thousands of visitors. Most visitors to the cemetery make a point to stop and visit the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." This shrine is in honor of the many thousands of veterans who gave their lives in defense of our nation.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most visited sites by Americans, prominent dignitaries, and individuals visiting from foreign lands. The site is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by Tomb Guard Sentinels. All Sentinels are volunteers and are considered to be the best of the 3rd US Infantry - the "Old Guard". And becoming a Sentinel is not just about volunteering time. Each soldier has to meet very specific qualifications. The soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an exemplary military record, and meet certain height, weight, and build requirements. The soldier must also commit to giving up drinking and swearing...for life!
Once the basic requirements have been met, the training is broken down into three stages; temporary duty, low-visibility walks, and high-visibility walks. To earn a "walk" the guards must memorize a seven-page document about the history of Arlington National Cemetery, and be able to recite the document verbatim. A "walk" occurs between guard changes.
And when a soldier becomes a Sentinel and earns a "walk" it certainly is not an average walk. Each step, hesitation, and placement of firearm is precisely calculated and has a specific symbolic reference. Each guard takes 21 steps across the Tomb, stops on the 21st step, turns and faces the tomb for 21 seconds, then steps off for another 21-step walk down the mat. Both the 21 steps and the 21-second hesitation symbolize the "twenty-one gun salute", the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. After each about face, the Sentinel changes the placement of the rifle to the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the Sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. The Sentinel then repeats this until the guard changes.
The changing of the guard occurs every hour on the hour from October 1 to March 31 and every half hour from April 1 to September 30. The tomb has been guarded every minute of every day since 1937, even during the storms and hurricanes. Each Sentinel commits two years of his life to guard the tomb, and is given a wreath pin signifying they served as a Sentinel. Presently, there are only 400 wreath pins worn.
In 5th grade my father had meetings in Washington DC and the entire family took a two week trip to the nations capitol. I can remember that trip like it was yesterday! It is quite interesting, as my older siblings do not have the vivid memories that I hold. I suppost it was my age. None the less, seeing the changing of the guard at age 10 was most impressive and even at the your age of 10, I felt the honor.
As we pause and pay tribute to America's veterans, we must honor them with our gratitude, knowing that they served and sacrificed to protect and preserve the values of this great nation...and continue to do so today.
Gwenn Tanvas is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists who specializes in working with First-Time Home Buyers and Government Programs such as FHA, State and Federal VA and USDA Rural Housing Loans. Visit her website for more information, on-line calculators and a secure on-line application. She is able to assist with transaction throughout the state of Wisconsin. Her offices are located in Appleton, Oshkosh and Green Bay and offers the convenience of one-stop shopping. http://www.WisconsinLoanTips.com or http://www.MortgageProsOfWisconsin.com she can also be reached for comment or to answer questions via email at gwennt@centurytel.net
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Gwenn, Thanks for the great post! I agree, lets all honor our troops and vets all week long. I feel that with all of the economic issues and the election coverage, our troops have faded into the background... I think it's wonderful what your company will be doing with the video messages!
Kurt: It has been such a neat project - The local CBS affiliate will be at our office at 4:30 am on Veterans Day to broadcast the morning show - Also we are collecting goodies for care packages to be sent to the guys and gals in remote areas. We are getting help from local schools. They have showed a great interest in getting the local kids involved in supporting the local troops.
Thanks for your comment and support -
Gwenn, Thank you so much for your excellent post. My husband was a veteran as many of my friends are today. My husband and I always visited a National cemetery every Veteran's Day and Memorial Day to remember and honor the sacrifice our soldiers have made in time of war and peace. The first time we met was on Veteran's Day 1996. So the day has more than one special meaning. Since his death last year I have carried on our tradition. I posted a blog today about Veteran's Day and will pay a personal visit to a few of our soldiers tomorrow.
The memories you have of your family's visit to our nation's capitol ill continue to serve you well. I remember my first time in Washington, D.C. as well. Whenever I am in D.C. my new memories are always colored by my first experience there. God bless you, the 400 who proudly wear the Sentinel pin and all of our military members past and present.
Dear Linda:
My blessings to you as well. Thank you for your kindness. May you have a wonderful visit to DC. I am off to view your blog. Take care.