The Open Forum

Veterans focus on peace

Initially created after World War I, Armistice Day, Nov. 11, was created and commemorated to acknowledge the end of that war, known at the time as “the war to end all wars.” It was created not to glorify the war, or the military, or veterans for that matter, but to celebrate the principle of world peace.

After World War II, Congress rebranded Armistice Day as Veterans Day. As a result, there is now less talk of the celebration of the principle of world peace and more valorization of war and veterans. Wars are all too often perpetuated on lies, and the powerful and the wealthy send other people’s sons and daughters to fight and die.

Almost since its inception, Veterans for Peace has been celebrating the original Armistice Day. In years past, across America, bells in churches and other places would ring a bell eleven times at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 to honor the dead and celebrate world peace. Many veterans all across America wish to reclaim Armistice Day.

Doing this would truly honor all veterans. Let’s all celebrate the principle of world peace.

Travis Weiner, Fort Collins Editor’s note: Weiner is president of Veterans for Peace, Dan Lyons Chapter 178.

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Veterans Day used to be called Armistice Day. A few years ago the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor the veterans of all our wars. The emphasis was changed from the coming of peace to veterans.

I am a veteran of World War II, and while I honor all Americans who put their life on the line for their country, I have never joined a veterans organization. I believe there is more concern about past wars than there is about doing the necessary work to build peace in the present world and to make better lives for mankind.

I wish we would have a world veterans organization of all the veterans of wars, friends and enemies alike. They know the destruction, horror, tragedy and ultimate futility of war.

The purpose and goal of the organization would be to push their respective governments to build what makes for peace and mostly stop preparing for the next war with all the new-fangled killing machines.

I am 95 years old now and don’t have the time left or the capacity to start and build such an organization. I know there are millions of veterans around the world who would approve and like to participate in such a global effort.

Peace is better than war; after war, enemies often become friends. The final argument for such a veterans organization is: Wars in the modern world are bad for business!

Friends, is anyone listening?

James T. Watson, Highlands Ranch