Happy Veterans Day

For John, BLUF:  I looked last night and couldn't find my Poppy.  It is somewhere in the bedroom, I am sure.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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The origin of the phrase:  “All gave some, Some gave all.”

From Spec Ops Magazine, by Writer Eric Sof, 10 March 2020.

Here is the lede plus one:

The widely used phrase “All gave some, Some gave all.” is mostly related to the United States military members who were wounded or killed in action.  You will probably hear it more often around Memorial Day every year, and it’s not for Veterans Day.  Many Americans get this confused, and we’ll be honest — it can be a little annoying to all of the living veterans out there.

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle.  Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.

I think the author is a little picky here.  This morning I greeted my wife, the widow of an Air Force pilot killed while flying a training mission, with "Happy Veterans Day" because she was deprived of her husband while he was on active duty.  Fortunately for me she had room in her heart for an additional person.

I think it is fine to remember the fallen, the wounded, in body and in mind, on both Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Memorial Day started as Decoration Day, the day folks put flowers on graves.  Veterans Day started out as Armistice day, the day in 1918, 11/11, at 11:00 that an Armistice went into effect. It was about the Western Front of The Great War, when the fighting stopped and the Butcher's Bill had been paid.  On both days we honor those who served, as we should.

And thank you to all those who served, and all those who gave us support while we served.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff