By John Cornyn
U.S. Senator, Texas

It was 89 years ago that Americans first noted the 11th of November with distinction.  After four years of bloodshed throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia, and more than a year of U.S. involvement, Germany signed an armistice, marking the end of what was then called “The Great War.” 

One year later, President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 National Armistice Day, dedicated to the remembrance of the end of the First World War. 

Following the Second World War, however, it became clear that this day should commemorate not only the veterans of World War One, but every veteran who has served and fought for America. 

This year we honor an increasing number of veterans for their service to our country.  Service members returning home from duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other fields of battle in the global war on terror, join the proud and honorable tradition of American veterans in whose name we pay tribute.

Although our veterans are divided by large generational gaps and defined by the conflicts in which they served – Iraq and Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, the World Wars and others – they are united by the bond of their service in defense of our nation. 

And while gains in technology and the evolution of tactics have changed some of the duties and functions performed by our troops, the essential ingredients remain the same:  dedication to duty, love of country and bravery in the face of adversity.

I have had the opportunity to visit Iraq and look into the faces of our young men and women fighting for freedom.  In their eyes, I see the common legacy of their forebearers:  the courage, strength, and honor which have been handed down to every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine by the generations that preceded them, dating centuries back to the very first American soldiers of Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army.

Distinguished soldier, commander, and one of only five men ever to hold the five-star rank of “General of the Army,” Gen. Douglas MacArthur perhaps best explained the virtue of military service:  “However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind.”

This noble spirit of sacrifice, whether of health, livelihood, or of life itself, is the defining characteristic of the American service member.  Past, present, or future, our military personnel represent America’s finest citizens – men and women who are called to provide the ultimate service to their country.

This is the day America stands in collective awe, remembering the heroism of American soldiers throughout our history.  We remember the brave men who dared to declare their independence and then defend it, and the heroes of the “Greatest Generation” who stormed the beaches of France to liberate an entire continent.  We also remember and hold in our prayers the men and women who today serve to protect America from the forces of fear and terrorism.

As they continue their selfless service, they further elevate the legacy bestowed upon them by the veterans we honor today.  With every battle won and every life saved today, they strike a deeper cast, enhancing that legacy for those who will follow in their footsteps tomorrow.

Today let us remember fondly all those who serve and have served our country.  Although the original armistice on Nov. 11 marked the end of a war many called “The War to End All Wars,” we now understand the real significance of that day. 

Nov. 11 is the day we celebrate the end of a world war; Armistice Day is the day we celebrate the victory of American bravery over the forces of tyranny; and Veterans Day is the day we honor the sacrifices of all our brave men and women, remembering their service with pride and undying gratitude. 

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a former Texas Supreme Court justice and Bexar County district judge, serves on the Senate’s Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget committees. He can be reached locally at 600 Navarro, Suite 210, or at 224-7485.