Today marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. As early as WWI, Rotarians served their countries and took heart in Rotary's vision for peace.
E-CLUB PROGRAM
PRESIDING TODAY IS: Diana Martinelli
Ding! We’re now in session.
Welcome all – Visitors, fellow Rotarians and guests alike to this E-Club program!
Four-Way Test
At the beginning of each meeting we remind ourselves of the The Four-Way Test. Therefore, please remember to ask yourself always . . .
Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
A Reflective Moment
“I salute your service to our country. My thanks to each of you, as well as to the brave men and women still on active duty, some of whom are in harm’s way. You personify patriotism and self-sacrifice with your dedication. I also would like to acknowledge your families for the sacrifices they, too, have made and continue to make every day.”
-- Jeanne Phillips (aka "Dear Abby")
“Let Rotary make International Peace and Good Will its mission as an international organization.”
– Chesley Perry, 1914
Program: Honor and Sacrifice
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I. Perhaps you watched some of the coverage of events marking the occasion around the world. Armistice Day, observed one year after the war's end, on Nov. 11, 1919, would become a U.S. national holiday in 1938 and would be renamed Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.
The November issue of our magazine, the Rotarian, looks back at how the war was covered and includes the quote listed above from Rotarian Chesley Perry in 1914. The magazine also notes that “at least 1,800 Rotarians from North America and Great Britain served in the military during that war; hundreds more enlisted in the Red Cross, the YMCA, and various government departments. More than 50 gave their lives…” (p. 31).
According to History.com, Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate WWI and WWII veterans on or near November 11th: Canada with Remembrance Day; Britain with Remembrance Sunday, celebrated the second Sunday of November. According to the site, “In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.”
I would suspect we all have relatives or friends who have served our nation through military service, and many of us know of loved ones who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. As we look toward a season of Thanksgiving and joy, let us remain cognizant of the price of our freedoms and prosperity.
To end today’s program, please see below two brief, but amazing stories of tribute to our nation’s service men and women:
Thank you for participating in this program! Please leave a comment below:
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