Every year in May, we set aside a special day to honor our loved ones, especially those that lost their lives fighting to protect our freedom and their are a great many. Other than our own Civil War, the two great World Wars affected this country the most.
There were 1,396,518 dead & wounded Americans in the
two great world wars. . .
There were 1,396,518 dead & wounded Americans in the
two great world wars. . .
America and World War One
The war started in Europe on July 28, 1914 but the United States entered World War 1 on April 6th, 1917. Up to that date, America had tried to keep out of World War One – though she had traded with nations involved in the war – but unresisted submarine warfare, introduced by the Germans on January 9th, 1917, was the primary issue that caused Woodrow Wilson to ask Congress to declare war on Germany on April 2nd. Four days later, America joined World War One on the side of the Allies.
As a nation of immigrants, The United States would have difficulty picking a side. Isolation was a long American tradition. Since the days of George Washington, Americans struggled to remain protected by the mighty oceans on its border. When European conflicts erupted, as they frequently did, many in the United States claimed exceptionalism. America was different. Why get involved in Europe's self-destruction?
The first great World War finally ended, November 11, 1918 when Germany surrendered.
The war started in Europe on July 28, 1914 but the United States entered World War 1 on April 6th, 1917. Up to that date, America had tried to keep out of World War One – though she had traded with nations involved in the war – but unresisted submarine warfare, introduced by the Germans on January 9th, 1917, was the primary issue that caused Woodrow Wilson to ask Congress to declare war on Germany on April 2nd. Four days later, America joined World War One on the side of the Allies.
As a nation of immigrants, The United States would have difficulty picking a side. Isolation was a long American tradition. Since the days of George Washington, Americans struggled to remain protected by the mighty oceans on its border. When European conflicts erupted, as they frequently did, many in the United States claimed exceptionalism. America was different. Why get involved in Europe's self-destruction?
The first great World War finally ended, November 11, 1918 when Germany surrendered.
1945 - 2015. The 70th Anniversary of VE Day -
Victory in Europe Day
This month is the 70th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day. On May 8th 1945 World War Two officially ended in Europe. On the 30th April 1945, Adolf Hitler took his own life and a week later German General Jodl and Grand Admiral Doenitz had signed an unconditional surrender on Monday May 7th at 02.41. All hostilities officially ceased at one minute after midnight.
The British public began to celebrate. Thousands took
The British public began to celebrate. Thousands took
to the streets of London, flags were raised and impromptu dancing was the order of the day. The King and Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and their daughters, Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth (now the Queen) joined the crowds to celebrate. Winston Churchill made a radio broadcast to the nation and later declared to the crowds “This is your victory! ‘‘. He paid tribute to the men and women who had laid down their lives for victory and to all those who had “fought valiantly” on land, sea and in the air.
All across the United Kingdom men, women and children danced, sang and celebrated the end of World War Two. Celebrations went on into the night with bonfires and fireworks too, and effigies of Hitler were burned around the city of London.
Thousands had been killed and many lives had been disrupted during the war but today was a day to celebrate and the sense of relief was palpable everywhere. VE Day was the beginning of a new era for Great Britain.
All across the United Kingdom men, women and children danced, sang and celebrated the end of World War Two. Celebrations went on into the night with bonfires and fireworks too, and effigies of Hitler were burned around the city of London.
Thousands had been killed and many lives had been disrupted during the war but today was a day to celebrate and the sense of relief was palpable everywhere. VE Day was the beginning of a new era for Great Britain.
VE Day is also celebrated in the United States. Although the U.S. didn't officially join the war until Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, we lost many of our men and women that were fighting all over Europe.
The war still wasn't over for us. It took another three months for Japan to finally surrender and then only because of the Atom bomb.
The United States Military Casualties of War Chart can be seen by clicking on: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Armed Forces Day May 16, 2015
Armed Forces Day History Armed Forces Day is a day to recognize members of the Armed Forces that are currently serving. In 1947, the Armed Forces of the US were united under one department which was renamed the Department of Defense in 1949. President Harry S. Truman supported the creation of a day for the nation to unite in support and recognition or our military members and their families. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced that Armed Forces Day would take the place of other individual branch celebrations, and all branches of the military would be honored this single day. Armed Forces Day takes place on the third Saturday in May.