November 8, 2011
Veterans Day 2011
World War I, the Great War, the War to End all Wars, shook the nations of the world for four years, claiming 20 million lives. The Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918.
This day is observed around the world and has many names – Armistice Day, Remembrance Day and the Day of Peace. It once was a celebration of the silencing of the cannons of World War I and is now a day when nations around the world pause in a moment of silence with solemn pride in the remembrance of the heroism of those who have served, those who are currently serving and those who died in our country’s service.
We don’t mark this day each year as a celebration of victories, as proud of the victories as we are. We mark this day as a celebration of those who made the victories possible. It’s a day we keep in our minds the brave men and women of this nation – generations of them – who, above all else, believed in and fought for a set of ideals.
Our military, America's veterans ,they chose to serve the cause that is greater than self; many even after they knew they’d be sent into harm’s way. And in this time of persistent conflict, for the better part of a decade,  they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places; they have protected us from danger; and they have given others the opportunity for a better life.
So to all of them, our military – to our veterans, to the fallen and to their families – there is no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice. We can offer this humble moment of silence.
WE Remain the Land of the Free... Because of the Brave
The UAW Veterans recognize Veterans Day everyday by continuing to serve our union and communities veterans.
Recognizing the need and desire to continue to serve their country and their countrymen, the Veterans Affair's Dept. of the UAW was established in the in the 1980's, by Vietnam Veterans who had returned to their factories after the war. Since then, the UAW Veterans have continued to serve on a National, Regional and local level assisting their membership by keeping them informed on veterans issues and benefits earned through their service. Across the Nation, UAW Veterans continue work in their communities supporting Veterans Service organizations, like the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Some of the achievements include the construction of a $400,000 duplex at the VFW National Home for Children, built entirely by UAW members and union labor. The UAW continues to solely fund the duplex and support the VFW National Home for Children campus. UAW Veterans logs thousands of hours at our local VA Hospitals across the country and holds a seat on the VA's National Board of Volunteer Services, the UAW Veterans continue to support Homeless Veterans by hosting and working Stand Downs across America, the UAW Veterans support the Operation Up-Link, donating tens of thousands dollars worth of cell phones and cell phone minutes to deployed service members across the world. The UAW Veterans supports and are a big contributor to the USO. Across the Nation we support our State Veterans Cemeteries, we support the Wounded Warrior Project. Locally we support veterans at VA Medical Center Hospitals across the nation, all of our local Veterans Service Organizations, The National D Day Memorial, the National League POW/MIA Families, the Patriot Guard Riders and a host of other organizations and charities.
Across the UAW Nation, we salute, we say thank you by continuing to support those who answered the call, our military and our nation's veterans.
Mark Peterson
Region 8 Veterans Chairman |
