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In 1919, the United States declared November 11th as Armistice Day, to honor the sacrifices of American veterans during World War I, and to celebrate the gift of peace. 19 years later, in 1938, Congress declared Armistice Day to be a federal holiday. The small town of Emporia, Kansas was responsible for the name change to Veterans' Day, when their congressman proposed the change to Congress in 1953. In 1971, President Nixon declared the second Monday in November to be the official date of remembrance. Many famous people have given speeches in honor of America, the country's dedication to peace, and its soldiers. Some of the more notable sentiments are found below.
These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it Now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph." - Thomas Paine - December, 1776
Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it." - Abraham Lincoln - April 6, 1859
It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you." - Dick Cheney
Never has there been a good war or a bad peace." - Benjamin Franklin
I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them." - Clara Barton
Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism, and militarism." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" - Patrick Henry
Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory." - George Patton
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