The Travel Professor
Join me on a journey across the broad spectrum of interesting travel topics. We’ll discuss destinations domestic and abroad, some familiar and some off the beaten path. We take a look at suppliers like cruise lines, air carriers and tour operators and find their bargains and special offerings. Got questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Armistice I mean Veterans Day

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ends. At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany, bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiégne, France. The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France, and Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, at least five million civilians died from disease, starvation, or exposure.

Peace at last! The war to end all wars was finally over. Or so the educated politicians thought and the rest of the world hoped for.

To my knowledge the only American National Museum dedicated to WW1 is located in Kansas City MO.

In the US this event was originally celebrated as Armistice Day, currently known as Veterans Day.

Today I salute all veterans for their service, sacrifices and a job well done!