On the Centennial of a New Peace

It was 100 years ago that an armistice took effect at 11 AM on November 11, 1918, ending the combat of World War I, then known as the Great War.

There aren't too many people still around who remember that conflict.  But in reviewing accounts of what happened, it's clear that it was a devastating conflict that affected many nations, totally altering the world order, even as it killed or wounded millions.

So as the conflict slips from conscious memory, it is an occasion like Veterans' Day that helps us to continue acknowledging the devastating effect of that conflict.  So long as we don't forget, we can continue to strive in the work of honoring those who sacrificed so much to bring about peace, and work to continue that peace.

It's in that spirit that Armistice Day was changed to Veterans' Day in the 1950's, so we can be aware of all those among us who have served in the US military.  The presence of living veterans--and there are millions in the US--continue to connect us to conflicts, so we can acknowledge the effect they have, the sacrifices made during them, and to continue working for peace and well-being in our society.

Indeed, on this Centennial of the World War I Armistice, may recommit ourselves to always remembering so that we can continue the work of peace.

This monument, entitled Peace Triumphant, in Scoville Park, is Oak Park's remembrance to those in the OPRF area who served in World War I.  It was dedicated on November 11, 1925, at a ceremony which Vice President Dawes attended.  I took this picture on November 11, 2018, right after the ceremony, when people gathered there to continue remembering.