Happy Veterans Day!

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Veterans Day marks the anniversary of signing the Armistice for the "War to End All Wars." 

World War I ended at 11 AM on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, and what started as Armistice Day evolved to being a Remembrance Day for all who fought in that deadly war.  If you have never thought much about that war, I highly recommend Ken Follett's novel Fall of Giants.

You'll learn about the world before the war and the horror of trench warfare in what should have been gorgeous French countryside.

Of course, because our parents and grandparents fought the second World War, that more easily holds the imagination.

With World War II and many regional conflicts to follow, it became apparent there would indeed be other wars, and the holiday was expanded to honor veterans of all wars.

More recently, the holiday has been expanded to cover all veterans, regardless of whether they served directly in foreign wars.

I want to give a special thanks to all of our current military members who defend our country and citizens of many other countries around the world, some of whom are not even grateful for our sacrifice of blood and treasure to protect them. 

Less than a half percent of our population manages to protect the entire free world.  God bless them!

And also thanks to my fellow Veterans of the US Armed Forces.  We make up only about 5% of the US population.

While we may be "the few," we aren't always, as the second part of the old Marines' phrase goes, "the proud," or at least we don't boast about our service.

Perhaps like me, you proudly served your country, but when you consider the sacrifice of soldiers who gave life and limb for God and country you, feel unworthy of laurels.  There is, however, an implied risk for anyone who dons a military uniform, so thanks to all of you. 

Because so few Americans are veterans, I hope you'll excuse me for not assuming you to be one.  If you're a Vet, let me know, because there might be special programs available.  In fact, even if I should know you're a Vet, remind me.

Sometimes, military rates are limited to active duty only, but not always.  If you're honorably discharged, let me know.  There may be promotions of other kinds that eclipse military savings, but it never hurts to try.

Some lines like Princess will give you on-board credit on every cruise automatically once you've sent your DD-214 Form to them.

In any case, I'm always happy to check.

 

We all owe gratitude to all who served, and as such, cruise lines often have special offers for active military members or veterans.

Thanks again to service members and their families who have all sacrificed time that could have been spent together at home.

In honor of all Veterans and their families, we want to invite you to take a cruise to Paris and the Heart of Normandy with Viking River Cruises in July, 2020, with prices starting at just $2,899 per person, including FREE AIR!

For full details, email Wes@CruisePlanners1.com.