PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release

Veterans Reclaim Original Meaning Of Veterans Day

On November 11th, 10:30 am St James Cathedral Courtyard, 804 9th Ave, Seattle Contact: Mike Dedrick, mikededrick@comcast.net, 206-226-2435

On November 11th, Veterans for Peace will honor the original name and intent of what started as Armistice Day, in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I.

The event will take place in the South courtyard of St. James Cathedral. We assemble at 10:30 and at 11 the church bells ring 11 times  at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month marking the end of the war. Veterans For Peace calls on the US public to honor the resolution Congress passed in 1926 stating “it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated, with exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations. . .” . In 1938, Congress made November 11th a legal holiday, celebrating Armistice Day, dedicated to the cause of world peace and honoring veterans. But after World War Two, Congress decided to rename November 11th Veterans Day, which turned a day to perpetuate peace into a day of militaristic displays, patriotic jingoism, and discount meals for veterans.

Veterans For Peace will join with others for a ceremony that will include a short statement on Armistice Day, the ringing of the bells, a moment of silence, some readings and songs celebrating the spirit of the day, and will pass out white Peace Poppies honoring all victims of war.

Veterans For Peace is an international veteran’s organization with  125 chapters nationally, and 6 chapters overseas. We are veterans who went to war, came home and now work for peace.

Veterans for Peace

Daniel Ellsberg Chapter 92 Seattle

vfp92.org