Today is Veterans Day - a day set aside to honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces - the brave men and women of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
Veterans Day traces its origins back to the end of World War I. It was on November 11th, 1918, when an armistice between the United States-led Allied Nations and Germany went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of what was then called Armistice Day. In 1954, after US soldiers served in World War II and in Korea, Congress renamed it Veterans Day to recognize all American Armed Forces who served in the military.
This morning, as I was shopping near my Bedford, New York farm, I came across some American Veterans and thanked them for their service and loyalty. Yesterday, I took some photos of the huge Navy ship, the USS Iwo Jima, as it sailed along New York's Hudson River. Enjoy my photos.
And, please check back Monday about my exciting news - I will share more with you then!
This is the wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), which recently returned from conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew.
The ship, along with its Sailors and Marines, sailed into New York City to take part in Veterans Week remembrances, and activities. I was able to see the ship from my office window at the Starrett Lehigh Building. If you look very closely, the Sailors and Marines are standing on the deck.
Early this morning, I said hello to my stable manager, Sarah Levins, and our own “veterans” – Ramon, Rutger, Meindert and Rinze, my dear beautiful Friesians.
I also went to nearby Katonah to run some errands and came across several American Veterans in the town’s center. It was an honor to see them and to thank them for their service.
This veteran is from the US Navy.
This veteran is from the US Army.
And, this veteran is from the US Air Force.
They were all very happy to take part in the town’s various Veterans Day events. Thank you to all our American Veterans who have served our country.
And, do you know what this is? If so, let me know in the comments section below.