This Veterans Day, remember the cost of war

Written by John Byrnes, Strategic Director – CVA

Nov. 11, 1918. The eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month.

The guns stopped.

After more than four years of fighting, the World War I was finally coming to an end.

An estimated 20 million people died in the worldwide “war to end all wars.” More than 116,000 Americans never came home, and over 200,000 more came home wounded.

Every one of them was somebody’s son, daughter, brother, or friend.

A year later, America marked its first Armistice Day to remember their bravery and give thanks for the silence.

As a veteran, I think about those sacrifices and what they should teach every American about the value of peace.

The sacrifices behind Armistice Day

American forces helped turn the tide of the war, including Marines who fought at Belleau Wood, France, and earned a reputation for extraordinary courage.

Their bravery helped popularize the nickname “Devil Dogs,” which Marines still proudly carry today. As a Marine myself, I take pride in that legacy as we celebrate the Corps’ 251st birthday on Nov. 10.

In 1921, two years after our nation’s first Armistice Day, America laid an unknown soldier to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reminds us of the thousands of Americans who went to war and never returned home.

Why Armistice Day became Veterans Day

The hope that World War I would end all wars didn’t last.

Another world war followed. Then came Korea, and more generations of Americans answered the call to serve.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

The holiday expanded to recognize everyone who served in America’s armed forces, across generations and conflicts.

Today, Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to recognize their service, hear their experiences, and remember the responsibilities our country carries when it sends Americans into harm’s way.

Military decisions affect more than the men and women in uniform. They shape America’s security, economy, and future.

I recorded a short reflection about the origins of Veterans Day and why Americans should celebrate the peace that followed the armistice.

Veterans’ experiences matter to every American

Military service teaches lessons that stay with you long after you take off the uniform.

Responsibility, sacrifice, and learning to trust the people beside you.

Veterans know the costs of war firsthand. Their experiences give them a perspective on decisions about war and peace that our nation’s leaders and fellow Americans need to hear.

America’s military should protect our vital national interests. Congress should debate decisions to use force, establish clear goals, and define an exit strategy before sending Americans into new wars.

Unnecessary wars cost American lives, strain military readiness, and divert resources from other national priorities.

Veterans understand those consequences through experience. By bringing their unique perspectives into conversations about America’s future, we can help Lead America Forward.

Take one small step this Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, take a moment to honor the sacrifices that have kept us free and the people who made them.

Thank a veteran. Listen to their story. And never take peace for granted.

Through November’s One Small Step theme, we’re encouraging Americans to recognize military service and carry forward the freedoms generations have defended.

Explore the November One Small Step toolkit and honor someone who served by adding their name to our national Wall of Honorees.

Every American has a role in preserving the freedoms and opportunities that others sacrificed to defend ― and I hope you’ll join us this month.