Category: Articles

11:11 New Moon of Enlightenment

11:11 New Moon of Enlightenment

Kari Samuels
a message from Kari Samuels
To view more of Kari’s insight, please visit it her website, Kari Samuels

 

What a week this is! Usually this time of year there is a frenetic energy, a rush to get everything done, and a bittersweet feeling about things coming to an end. This year feels very, very different.

There is something stirring within you, that KNOWS things are going to change in a BIG WAY. This is a NEW BEGINNING of a whole new paradigm for you.

There is the time to be a lightworker, yet it is very different than ever before.

If you know that you’re born to help others, to share your gifts, and to be a light in the world, yet you feel too tired, not receiving enough, don’t have enough energy, get compassion fatigue, or weighed down by other people’s drama. Good news. All that is about to change.

2016 will be the year of intuition and enlightenment. (I’ll share more on that later). We’re heading into an era where you learn to trust your own inner guidance, rather than be influenced by others.

When you do this, you won’t be drained by other people’s energy. If you want to have the courage, confidence, and vitality to be a lightworker, you need to be a stronger LIGHT than those around you.

You do this by connecting with SOURCE, the greatest light of all.

This 11:11 New Moon will be an infusion of Light.

  • The words “light” and “psychic” add up to 11 in Numerology
  • The sacred geometry of 11:11 creates two columns of light, the straight lines are quick conduits between Spirit and matter
  • The Sun and Moon will be at 19 degrees, the number of the Sun
  • Our Sun and Moon will be in Scorpio, the sign of the rebirth after resurrecting from the darkness

New Moon’s are always a powerful time for setting your intentions. As the moon’s light grows, so does your manifestation. This 11-11 is particularly powerful for initiating change because 1 is the number of new beginnings and it is an infusion of light.

As you learn how to bring more light into your body and energy, you can fulfill your life’s purpose, feel vibrant, and lift others up instead of being drained by them.

You no longer need to hide from the world, or fear the negativity around you. How’s that for a new way of being?

Be a light in the world 

As an empath, I know how easy it is to be influenced by other people’s energy. I’ve learned so much from doing readings for thousands of clients how to connect with Source energy, rather than be affected by others.

This has been my personal transformation, and one that my Guides are assisting me with to help YOU.

The Witches Current Moon Phase for November 11th is The New Moon

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November 11
New Moon
Illumination: 0%

The Moon today is in a New Moon phase. During this phase the Moon is to close to the sun in the sky to be visible. The moon rises and sets with the sun and is not present in the night sky. Because of this the night sky is darker and an excellent time to view other celestial objects. Like the Full Moon, a New Moon happens at a very specific time when the sun and moon have the same ecliptic longitude and it can be measured down to the second it occurs.

Phase Details for – Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Phase: New Moon
Illumination: 0%
Moon Age: 29.31 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 400,687.40 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 148,094,799.04 km

 

We Are Eternally Grateful For All Our Veterans! Thank You & May The Goddess Always Bless You!


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Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you for your service to our country.

Thank you for the rights & freedoms

you have fought for us to have,

Thank you for risking your life to keep us safe at home.

Thank you for your continued service & commitment

to our great country.

Goddess Bless You & Your Families each day of the year.

May the Goddess Bless Those Who Have Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice.

It take a special kind of person to risk their life and lay everything on

the line,

Thank you for being that kind of person,

Lady Of The Abyss

&

The WOTC Staff & The Entire WOTC Family

The Witches Magick for the 11th Day of the Snow Moon – Blue Light Dream Meditation

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BLUE LIGHT DREAM MEDITATION

 

Blue light is used to wash negativity from your energy field.

Before you go to sleep, lie back comfortably. Take a deep breath to center your awareness.

Imagine a bright cobalt blue light shining in a stream into your power chakra at the base of your stomach. Sense its warmth as it begins to energize you on every level of your being. Starting in your gut, it sends out a positive harmonic that neutralizes any discomfort or negativity it encounters. Sense it moving through the various parts of your body, mind, and spirit, eliminating anything negative.

After eliminating the negative, the blue light then starts accentuating the positive energy in you. Imagine that you can take the blue light and manifest it into anything you want. Realize that all you have to do is wish it to be and it becomes reality.

While you drift to sleep, tell the blue light what you really want and who you really want to be. Repeat to yourself over and over:

Bright blue light, please empower my dreams.

 

 

Wiccan Spell A Night: Spells, Charms, And Potions For The Whole Year

Sirona Knight

 

WOTC Extra – Sample Ritual To Dedicate a Book of Shadows

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Sample Ritual To Dedicate a Book of Shadows

 

You can adapt this ritual for any tool or object. Before you begin the ritual, take a moment to compose a short book blessing that you will copy into the book itself during the ritual

MATERIALS NEEDED

Piece of plain white cloth (of natural fibers)

Book, tool, or object to be dedicated

Bowl of salt or soil to represent element of earth

Stick or herbal incense to represent element of air

Censer or heatproof dish (and charcoal tablet if using herbal incense)

Candle and holder to represent element of fire

Bowl of water to represent element of water

A prepared book blessing

Anointing oil (plain olive oil, or a blend of oils for blessing

 

1. Center and ground. Create sacred space or cast your circle, as you wish. Either is appropriate for this ritual.

2. Invite elemental energy to be present. For example:

 

I CALL YOU, POWERS OF EARTH,

TO BE PRESENT AS I DEDICATE MY BOOK OF SHADOWS.

WELCOME TO MY CIRCLE.

 

Do this for all four elements.

3. Invite the Divine to be present in the form of the Goddess and God. Use the names of specific god-forms if you work regularly with them.

4. Pick up the white cloth and run it over the book’s covers, both inside and out. Run it gently along the edges of the pages. If there are any tags or foreign matter on the book, remove them. In this step you are physically cleansing the book.

5. From the bowl of salt or earth, take a pinch and sprinkle it on the book, saying:

BOOK, I PURIFY YOU WITH THE ELEMENT OF EARTH.

MAY YOUR ENERGY BE PURIFIED OF NEGATIVE ENERGY.

SO MOTE IT BE.

 

If you wish, you may purify with the remaining three elements, although the salt will suffice.

6. Center and ground again. Hold the book in your hands and open your energy center. Allow your awareness to flow into the book. Feel your energy filling it, and visualize it glowing brighter and brighter. As the glow of your energy permeates it, visualize any other energies clinging to it simply dissolving away. Say:

I CONSECRATE YOU, BOOK OF SHADOWS.

TO SERVE AS MY RECORD OF MY MAGICAL WORK.

I CHARGE YOU BY ALL THAT I HOLD GOOD AND TRUE:

BE FOR ME A FAITHFUL RECORD OF MY LIFE, MY WORK, AND MY LOVE.

SO MOTE IT BE.

7. Take the book and touch it with another bit of earth or salt; pass it through the smoke of the incense; let the light cast by the flame of the candle dance across it; and sprinkle it with a few drops of water. As you do so, imagine the energies of each element filling the book with positive energy and the touch of elemental energy that will further consecrate it.

8. Open the book and write your book blessing inside on the first page. Take a touch of oil on your finger and draw whatever symbols of protection and wisdom you desire, if any, on the front and back covers. As you do, charge the book with the positive energy that you and the elements have created.

9. When you are done, thank and release the deities you have invited to be present. Thank and release the elements for their help as well. Dismantle your circle or declare your ritual complete if you have used sacred space. A simple “It is done” can suffice..

 

 

Solitary Wicca For Life: Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own

Arin Murphy-Hiscock

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Should You Have A Written Book of Shadows or Keep One On Your Computer?


Veteran's Day CommentsShould You Have A Written Book of Shadows or Keep One On Your Computer?

 

In these modern times, it’s often more practical to keep information in an electronic format. Many modern Wiccans possess a spiritual journal in two formats. They type and store some of the work on a computer, and write out the rest. Perhaps you’ve heard others insist that you must keep your book “in your own hand of write,” and this has made you feel conflicted about keeping a computerized version of your spells and rituals.

There are several advantages to maintaining your book of shadows on a computer:

• Your material will be easy to find.

• It will be easy to read.

• It is easy to run off a copy of the text for use in ritual itself without having to handle your entire spiritual journal.

• You can keep a backup copy somewhere else, such as a safe-deposit box, in case of disaster. There are also drawbacks to having your spiritual journal on your computer:

• A computer file is cold, and has less personality or character than a handwritten book.

• You run the risk of accidentally erasing the file or having it corrupted by disk failure.

• A virus can destroy your entire machine if you are not properly protected.

• At times it can be inconvenient to print out the necessary pages.

The advantages to writing your book of shadows out by hand are numerous. Writing things out by hand is an excellent method by which we memorize material. A handwritten book of shadows possesses charm and character, and can be much more conducive to creating an atmosphere appropriate to ritual. It’s also deeply personal. Drawbacks include that handwriting can be hard to read by candlelight or moonlight, and if for some reason you lose your book, you’ve lost everything.

Ultimately, your spiritual journal is exactly what you make it. It is a blend of your choices, your personal style, and your practice. Many eclectic Wiccans use a combination of the computer and handwritten forms. Any spiritual record files on your computer should be backed up on CD or disc and stored in another location, just in case. You could choose to type up the text of a ritual or any information you’ve researched, print it out, and put it into your physical book of shadows for ease of reference, where it will provide a nice contrast to handwritten information.

 

 

Solitary Wicca For Life: Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own

Arin Murphy-Hiscock

 

Magickal Activity for November 11th, Day of the Lunantshees


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Magickal Activity for November 11th, Day of the Lunantshees

 

Fairy Dust

 

Grind the following herbs into a fine powder:

1 Tbs. woodruff

I Tbs. clover

1 Tbs. rose petals

I Tbs. jasmine

1 Tbs. meadowsweet

Place the powder in a dark blue jar. Hold the jar tightly against your heart as you chant nine times:

Nature spirits and Fairy friends

Bless this dust to serve my ends.

I place my trust and faith in thee,

To bring me love, wealth, and prosperity.

Lightly dust the bed with the powder to increase passion and love. Place some of the powder near the threshold of a business to attract new customers, and sprinkle some around the perimeter of your home to create an atmosphere of happiness and good will.

 

Celebrating 365 Days a Year of Legends, Folklore & Spirituality for November 11th – Lunantshees

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November 11th

Lunantshees

 

This day has been set aside to honor the Fairy, an important tant element in most Irish folklore and mythology. For the Irish, the Fairy is believed to be the decedent of the small, dark, Neolithic people who invaded early Europe. Being small and dark and living close to the land allowed them to quickly hide from their enemies. This ability, along with their elusive mannerisms, nerisms, led people to believe they were capable of magick, shape-shifting, and invisibility.

 

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

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Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Wednesdays are wild and wacky days. They are for communication, change, cunning, and the arts. This is a Mercury day, and just its patron god this day is full of contradictions, change, and excitement. Some suggestions for Wednesday enchantments would include:

Pulling a little Wednesday color magic into your life by wearing purples or orange

Carrying a multipurpose agate with you and tapping into its various charms

Working with magical plants such as the fern for protection. This plant will also boost the power of any other magical plants with which it is arranged.

Incorporating lavender into charms and spells for transformation

Using the charming scent of lily of the valley to improve your memory, or working with the aspen tree for communication

Calling on Athena, patron of arts and crafts, for inspiration for a new project

Fanning out a Tarot spell to increase you creativity

Calling on Hermes on a Wednesday night to bring movement and good luck into your life.

 

The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, November 11

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WEDNESDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Mercury/Neptune/Air/North/West/Southwest/Female/Male/Gemini/Virgo

 

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel, Money Matters

Color: black, light blue, brown, gray, green, magenta, orange, peach, purple, red, silver, turquoise, violet, white, yellow; orange is the primary color

Number: 3, 5

Metal: mercury

Charm: distaff, rod, runes, staff, iridescent garments

Stone: moss agate, amethyst, bloodstone, emerald, hematite, lapis lazuli, lodestone, pearl, ruby, sapphire, sodalite, all blue stones

Animal: bear, dog, fox, magpie, swan, weasel

Plant: almond, bayberry, chamomile, cherry, cinnamon, cinquefoil, clove, coltsfoot, ginger, hazel, hazelnut, jasmine, lavender, millet, oak, peppermint, periwinkle, rosemary, sage, St. John’s wort, sweet pea, tamarind, lemon verbena, violet

Incense: cassia, cedar, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, mastic, mint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, storax, dried and powdered citrus peel, and all incense made from aromatic bark, wood, and seeds

Goddess: Carmenta, Hecate (Queen of Crossroads), Hel, Ishtar, Ma’at, the Morrigan, Nike

God: Anubis, Bragi, Elath-Iahu. Enki, Garuda, Hermes, Maximon (Black Magician), Mercury, Nebo (Wise God of Wednesday), Odin, Shango, Ullr, Vishnu, Wayland, Woden

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Michael, Miel, Raphael, Seraphiel, Tiriel

 

 

Courtesy of Moonlight Musings

 

New Moon Spell – Saving Money Spell

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Saving Money Spell

 

We could all probably do with a bit of extra cash now and then in a savings account for emergencies. Money spells will always work better if we have a real need for the money to cover our basic living costs or specific essential needs rather than just wanting loads of cash to go on a frivolous spending spree!

What you need:

Three gold or silver coins

A green envelope or piece of green paper

Gold or silver thread

Moon water (or rain water works well too)

Hold the coins in your hand and visualise yourself with the money that you need to live on, or purchasing an essential item that you need or have to replace.

When you are ready, put the coins in the envelope or wrap them in the piece of paper and then tie the silver or gold thread around it seven times, visualising your goal as you do so.

Send up your wish and thanks in advance to the Divine and then knot the thread three times. Next, you will need to bury the coin package in the earth, somewhere in your garden (or in a pot on your windowsill) where it will catch the moonlight. Sprinkle the Earth where you have buried it with the water.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

New Moon Spell

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New Moon Spell

 

I like to write a cheque to myself on the New Moon. I make it out to myself and write ‘paid in full’ in the amount box, then sign it from ‘the law of abundance’. I fold the cheque into three and add three drops of peppermint essential oil on top after laying it in the bottom of a dish I keep on my altar, and then I sprinkle over it dried mint and lay three sticks of cinnamon on top. This works really well to keep enough money coming in.

At the very first sign of the Moon, just the slightest glimpse of her, stand outside and look up. Turn around deosil (sunwise or clockwise) three times and make a wish on the New Moon.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

November 11th’s New Moon

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November 11th’s New Moon

 

We consider it to be the New Moon up to 3 ½ days after the official New Moon. She rises around dawn, sets around sunset. Because she is between the Sun and the Earth nothing or very little is reflected and for a few days the Moon is lost in the brilliance of the Sun. When we cannot see any Moon in the sky, after the Waning Moon and before we see the first glimpse of the Crescent it is often referred to as the Dark Moon.

As the Sun and Moon are on the same side of the Earth, the pull on us is the strongest. Because the Sun, Moon and Earth are all in a straight line this creates a time when the high tide is higher and the low tide is lower than usual.

This is a wonderful time to make new beginnings of all types. It is especially good for getting rid of bad habits. Habitual ways of thinking that are harmful and negative can also be abandoned at this time. It is also a good time to start something creative. New projects at work can also be launched.

The first day of the New Moon is really best devoted to the planning stages of ventures. It is good to feel just a little excited and filled with anticipation, although your energy may not be at its highest. A day or two into the cycle is the time to take the initiative, apply for that job, and start house hunting or any similar endeavours. It is also good for attracting positive energies, bringing about change, good luck and growth.

 

New Moon Colours

Green, white, orange and red

 

New Moon Herbs, Oil and Incense Ingredients

Sandalwood, frankincense, copal, myrrh, rose, saffron, sweet grass, heather, patchouli, cinnamon, lavender, verbena, witch hazel, jasmine, cardamom, cypress, ginger, nutmeg, orange, chamomile and lemon

 

New Moon Crystals

Garnet, petalite, sapphire, quartz, labradorite, carnelian, charoite, peridot and phenakite.

 
Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, November 11th

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The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, November 11th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.

Veterans Day

 

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

New Moon 12: 47 pm

Moon Sign: Scorpio

Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

Incense: Marjoram

Color: Topaz

 

The Wicca Book of Days for Wednesday, November 11th – Peace and Remembrance

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November 11th

Peace and Remembrance

 

This is the original cross-quarter day between the autumnal equinox and winter solstice. It is known as Martinmas, after St. Martin, and is observed with a traditional meal of salted(or preserved) food. Peace vigils are held at 11:11 AM to commemorate the 1918 for or meditate on peace on earth. The numerological significance of 11/11 is particularly powerful, since 11 is a “master number,” signifying both good and evil, while the combined numerals give a key of 4, representing the earth, the seasons and the phases of the moon.

 

Tune In

Harness today’s numerological power by meditating on peace throughout the world. Women should invoke the planets Pluto and Neptune, the element of water and the darkness and silence of the night to connect with the inner goddess, men should focus on their anima or feminine side.

 

 

The Wicca Book of Days
Observances, Traditions, and Lore for Every Day of the Year

Selena Eilidh Ash

 

Daily Magickal Applications for Wednesday

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Daily Magickal Applications for Wednesday

 

To the Romans, this day was called Dies Mercurii, or “Mercury’s day” Mercury was a popular character in the Roman pantheon. A messenger of the gods, he presided over commerce, trade, and anything that required skill or dexterity. The Celts also worshiped Mercury and eventually equated him with the Norse god Odin (some spelling variations on this name include Wotan, Wodin, and Wodan). In Norse mythologies, Odin, like Mercury, is associated with poetry and music. Interestingly enough, both Odin and Mercury were regarded as psychopomps, or the leaders of souls, in their individual mythologies.

Odin, one of the main gods in Norse mythology, was constantly seeking wisdom. He traveled the world in disguise as a one-eyed man with a long gray beard, wearing an old, beat-up hat and carrying a staff or a spear (which brings to my mind images of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings). In the Old English language, this day of Mercury evolved into Wodnes daeg, “Woden’s day,” or Wednesday.

Wednesday carries all of the planetary and magickal energies and associations of the witty and nimble god Mercury himself. Some of these mercurial traits included good communication skills, cleverness, intelligence, creativity, business sense, writing, artistic talent, trickiness, and thievery. And don’t forget all of those wise and enigmatic qualities associated with the Norse god Odin/Wodin, not to mention the goddess Athena’s contributions of music, the arts, handmade crafts, and writing. Wednesdays afford excellent opportunities for seeking wisdom, changing your circumstances, and improving your skills, be they in trade and commerce, music and art, or in communication and writing.

 

Source:

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week

Ellen Dugan

Wednesday Witchery

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Wednesday Witchery

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?

Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.

 

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week

Ellen Dugan

 

Wednesday

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Wednesday

 

Ruler: Wodin, Mercury

Colors: Orange, light blue, and gray

Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following

Keywords: Success, creativity, communication

The word Wednesday is reminiscent of the Norse wind god Wodin, which is referenced in the popular rhyme verse “Wednesday’s child is full of woe.” This does not mean that those born on this day are full of sorrow or trouble. To be full of Wo (Wodin) means to be full of wind, to be spirited. Woden was such a powerful pagan god that the German church fathers changed the name of his day to Mittwoch, meaning midweek, in an attempt to exorcise his influence.

In the Spanish word for Wednesday, miercoles, we clearly see its connection to Mercury. Under the guidance of Mercury; Wednesday is a day of swift activity, communication, correspondence, and phone calls. This is a good day for journalists, writers, poets, bargaining, hiring employees, and visiting friends.

On Wednesdays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mercury, making these times of the day doubly blessed. These are the strongest four hours for ritual work. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine when sunrise occurs.

 

 

Source: Gypsy Magic

 

Veterans Day, The History & Observances

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Veterans Day, The History  & Observances

 

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans, that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who gave their lives and those who perished while in service.

History of Veterans Day

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.[2] A Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”

In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of National Veterans Day. Weeks led the first national celebration in 1947 in Alabama and annually until his death in 1985. President Reagan honored Weeks at the White House with the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 as the driving force for the national holiday. Elizabeth Dole, who prepared the briefing for President Reagan, determined Weeks as the “Father of Veterans Day.”

U.S. Representative Ed Rees from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill establishing the holiday through Congress. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also from Kansas, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954. It had been eight and a half years since Weeks held his first Armistice Day celebration for all veterans.

Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

The National Veterans Award was also created in 1954. Congressman Rees of Kansas received the first National Veterans Award in Birmingham, Alabama for his support offering legislation to make Veterans Day a federal holiday.

Although originally scheduled for celebration on November 11 of every year, starting in 1971 in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. In 1978, it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11. While the legal holiday remains on November 11, if that date happens to be on a Saturday or Sunday, then organizations that formally observe the holiday will normally be closed on the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively.

 

Observance

Because it is a federal holiday, some American workers and many students have Veterans Day off from work or school. When Veterans Day falls on a Saturday then either Saturday or the preceding Friday may be designated as the holiday, whereas if it falls on a Sunday it is typically observed on the following Monday. A Society for Human Resource Management poll in 2010 found that 21 percent of employers planned to observe the holiday in 2011.

Non-essential federal government offices are closed. No mail is delivered. All federal workers are paid for the holiday; those who are required to work on the holiday sometimes receive holiday pay for that day in addition to their wages.

In his Armistice Day address to Congress, Wilson was sensitive to the psychological toll of the lean War years: “Hunger does not breed reform; it breeds madness,” he remarked. As Veterans Day and the birthday of the United States Marine Corps (November 10, 1775) are only one day apart, that branch of the Armed Forces customarily observes both occasions as a 96-hour liberty period.

 

Source:
Wikipedia

 

Today, We Honor All The Veterans of this Great Country! Thank You for Your Service & The Sacrifices You Have Made For Us All!

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They Did Their Share

 

On Veteran’s Day we honor

Soldiers who protect our nation.

For their service as our warriors,

They deserve our admiration.

 

Some of them were drafted;

Some were volunteers;

For some it was just yesterday;

For some it’s been many years;

 

In the jungle or the desert,

On land or on the sea,

They did whatever was assigned

To produce a victory.

 

Some came back; some didn’t.

They defended us everywhere.

Some saw combat; some rode a desk;

All of them did their share.

 

No matter what the duty,

For low pay and little glory,

These soldiers gave up normal lives,

For duties mundane and gory.

 

Let every veteran be honored;

Don’t let politics get in the way.

Without them, freedom would have died;

What they did, we can’t repay.

 

We owe so much to them,

Who kept us safe from terror,

So when we see a uniform,

Let’s say “thank you” to every wearer.

 

By Joanna Fuchs

Poem, along with other great poetry from Ms. Fuchs, is located on Poem Source