Armistice Day, 11/11, was originally a day to recognize the ugliness of war and vow never again to have war. Its meaning, like many things in the U.S., has been changed. Now 11/11 is called “Veterans Day,” a day to glorify the “heroes” who have been in the military.
I’m an Army infantry veteran of the U.S. war against the people of Vietnam. I’m not a “hero,” and I cringe when people say, “Thank you for your service.” Those in the military are used as pawns in the rich man’s game of conquest. We never hear that because those in power need the military to carry out their diabolical plans.
On 11/11, look up Armistice Day and watch the documentary “Untold History of the United States.” Recognize the day as it was intended. No matter how hard those in power try, war and its aftereffects are ugly, and it robs us of our humanity and resources. For me, 11/11 is, and always will be, Armistice Day.
— Arnold Stieber, Chicago
Letter featured in the Chicago Tribune on “Veterans Day”
