"Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God."
What is a veteran and what is Veterans Day?
In the beginning the word "veteran" meant a person of long experience or skill. After the American Revolution the word "veteran" or "vet" was used to refer to the elderly former soldiers who had fought so hard and secured our country's independence.
World War I was officially concluded on the 11th hour of the 11th Day of November in 1918 at 11 AM. One year later on November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day as “Armistice Day” dedicated to the cause of world peace. The word “armistice” means the end of wartime hostilities. The day was honored with public celebrations and a two minute pause to business at 11 AM.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated in Arlington National Cemetery in a ceremony on November 11, 1921. After this day, Armistice Day was adopted in many states and later in 1938 Congress adopted a resolution making the 11th of November in each year a national holiday. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Now both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, November 11 is commemorated with parades, ceremonies, and observances to pay respects to and celebrate the lives of the men and women who have given military service to our nation not only during the American Revolution, but in all subsequent wars and conflicts at home and around the world.
In honor of Veterans Day I would like to share a few of the names and photographs of the men in my family who have fought to preserve our liberty and freedom and thank them for all we all enjoy today.
MSgt. Robert C. Riddle (living)
United States Army-Retired
Service: career service 1949-1972
Veteran of Korean and Vietnam Wars
Rollan Otto Riddle (1919-2011)
Warrant Officer, Company A, 324 Infantry Regiment
United States Army
Served from 1942-1945 in Germany, France, and Austria
Private, 3rd Regiment, Company I, Indiana National Guard
Served from 3 February 1913 – 8 February 1916
Buried in Oakhill Cemetery, Marshall Co, IN
William Thompson Riddle (1831-1892)
Company C, Garrison Guards, 32nd Regiment Indiana Volunteers
Served in Civil War from 23 Sept 1864-8 May 1865
Buried in McGrew Cemetery, Walnut Twp, Marshall Co, IN
Harrison H. Riddle (1839-1934)
Corporal, Company I, 59th Indiana Infantry Volunteers
Served in Civil War from 6 February 1862 – 4 April 1865
Shot in stomach by enemy gunfire followed by sunstroke at Millikens Bend, LA
Buried in Rosehill Cemetery, Monroe Co, IN
John E. Anderson (1830-1897)
Company B, 67th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers
Served in Civil war from 7 August 1862 – 19 July 1865
Injury to left hip and stomach rupture at Young’s Point, LA
Buried in Union Chapel Cemetery, Morgan Co, IN
Peter Wayne Selner (1825-1923)
Private, Company C, 180th Regiment of Ohio Infantry Volunteers
Served in Civil War from 6 September 1865 – 8 Sept 1865
Injured during the siege of Charleston, SC being kicked by a mule
in the chest causing heart damage
Buried in Olive Cemetery, Elkhart Co, IN
Samuel L. Parks (1757-1844)
Private, North Carolina Troops
Served in Revolutionary War, 1776 - 1780
Enlisted Wilkes Co, NC at beginning of Rev War and served over 3 years
under Capt Lewis, Samuel Johnson, William Lenoir & Colonel Cleveland
Buried probably in Burke Co, NC
by Sgt. Joshua Helterbran
The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass.
"Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Solider squared his shoulders and said
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just to steep,
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
(poem from http://www.ellenbailey.com/poems/ellen_308.htm)
God Bless The USA
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