On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month…
The Armistice was signed to end ‘the war of all wars’.
It marked a victory for the Allies and a complete defeat for Germany, although not formally a surrender. The actual terms, largely written by French Marshal and Supreme Commander of the Allied Armies Ferdinand Foch, included the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of German troops to behind their own borders, the preservation of infrastructure, the exchange of prisoners, a promise of reparations, the disposition of German warships and submarines, and conditions for prolonging or terminating the armistice.
Interestingly, there was NO American representative at the official signing onboard Marshal Foch’s private car.
It took six months of negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference to conclude the peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles.
US 64th Regiment celebrates Armistice
Henry Gunther (American) is acknowledged as the last casualty of WWI, apparently despondent over a demotion, he charged the Germans and was killed less than a minute before the armistice too effect.
Sadly, England, France and Germany lost almost an entire generation of males in the war. And didn’t learn the lesson, starting WWII in September 1939, thanks to Corporal Adolf Hitler…
Remember those in your families that have served or are serving now. Thank a veteran if you get the chance.
Thank all of you and your families for your service and sacrifices for our country. I’m sure given the results of Tuesday night, this means more to all of you today.
One of the most fascinating facts to me about WWI is that so many of the leaders were related.
Look at photos of Nicholas and George… they could be brothers.
I wish a respectful, comfortable Veterans Day to all my brothers-in-arms.
That war had so many ramifications that selecting just one doesn’t do it justice. It can be argued that Gen. Pershing’s insistence on American units fighting as intact units was the foundation of the modern Army.
Perhaps the branch that learned the most, and was able to build on the experience, was the Navy. Submarine warfare comes to mind.
To all of you vets and your families: Thank you!!!
j.r.- Thank you and yes it does.
GB- Oh yes, that IS interesting, and same to you sir!
WSF- Excellent point!
lcb- Thank you!
I can’t help but think how much better the World would have been had either the Americans not gotten involved at all, had sent the AEF over in 1915 and won the war decisively then, or had Pershing and Foch been allowed to drive all the way to Berlin. A lot more lives would have been lost then but the ensuing century would have been far, far different.
It is sobering to think what modern-day Europe might be like, had not the better part of its valorous men shed their blood upon that continent in both World Wars. Entire generations of young English- and Frenchmen, as well as those of all the other countries involved, have grown up without benefit of the wisdom and counsel that such generations could have provided.
Thank you for your service! Great post. Angel day. It happened on this day for a reason. 1111.
Rev- Isn’t it though…
Fargo- Thanks, hadn’t thought if it that way.
Thank you to all my brothers-in-arms, you made my time in uniform the high point of my life, and made me a better person, because I tried to live up to the example you set for me. G-d Bless!
Serving my country did so much for me, that it is hard to accept thanks for it.
RS- Thank you for your service!
Ed- Agreed!
Jim: Thank you for yours, as well!
Had an uncle that enlisted in January 1942, and didn’t get home again until April 1946. When he was discharged, his Bronze Star had FIVE campaign stars (North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Normandy, and the Rhine.) Another uncle who went from Guadalcanal, 17 August 1942, to Okinawa, 01 April, 1945. His Purple Heart had FOUR Oak Leaf Clusters, which looked really nice next to his Silver Star and Navy Cross.
When people say “Thank you for your service” I think of men like these and feel like such a fraud. I’m not worthy to shine their boots.
RS- Amen to that! Wow!!!
I want to thank-you for your service.
Also I salute every man and woman that has put on the uniform of The United States Military
In memory of Pvt Louis Radlofm US Army, KIA, 11 November 1918. Buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France.
My great-uncle.