Veterans Day : “revive memories and renew ideals”

In 1926, Congress passed a resolution that the “anniversary… should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations… .”

So, at a dedication ceremony for a liberty memorial on Armistice Day in 1926, President Calvin Coolidge remarked that “[i]n each recurring year this day will be set aside to revive memories and renew ideals.” [emphasis added]

Next, he concluded his remarks this way:
“If the American spirit fails, what hope has the world? In the hour of our triumph and power we can not escape the need for sober thought and consecrated action. These dead whom we here commemorate have placed their trust in us. Their living comrades have made their sacrifice in the belief that we would not fail. In the consciousness of that trust and that belief this memorial stands as our pledge to their faith, a holy testament that our country will continue to do its duty under the guidance of a Divine Providence.”