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News | Nov. 10, 2022

DLA Distribution Commander delivers Veterans Day message

By DLA Distribution Public Affairs

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, a day originally set aside to honor the veterans of World War I. Following World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor American veterans of all wars. 

The theme for Veterans Day 2022 is “Honor,” and I’d like to honor DLA Distribution’s current active-duty and reserve military as well as those who previously served our great nation. There is distinct honor in donning the uniform of the United States to defend our nation and protect our way of life.  

Every year, there are ceremonies, parades, and events to honor the service and sacrifice of Veterans. The National Veterans Day Ceremony is held November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. It begins with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. 

Today, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Arlington Cemetery’s most iconic memorial. The white marble tomb provides a final resting place for one of America’s unidentified World War I service members, as well as unknown soldiers from later wars.  While we will never know the identity of the first man chosen to lie in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we know that he fought in the shell holes and on the high seas of one of humanity’s deadliest wars … and died surrounded by World War I’s most decorated heroes who brought him home.

The Tomb is decorated with three wreaths on each side panel. On the front, three figures represent Peace, Victory and Valor. The back features the inscription: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

I encourage you all to take a moment to visit a Veterans’ memorial, attend a Veterans Day ceremony or parade, and most importantly, thank a Veteran for their service. Mr. Knight and I want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication, and as you enjoy the Veterans Day holiday, please take a moment to remember the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen, who are deployed all over the world ensuring our freedom, and their families.