Veterans Day traces back to the end of World War I, when the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Day as we know it now is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
According to records compiled by the Office of the Adjutant General, 351,153 men from Illinois served in the U.S. Army and Navy during World War I. Over 5,000 died in service. The 33rd Division originated in Illinois, as did the 370th Infantry Regiment of the African-American 93rd Division. Draftees from Illinois provided much of the original manpower for the 84th, 86th and 88th Divisions. The 33rd Division held the right flank of the U.S. First Army during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and won important victories at Forges and along the Marne River. Major General George Bell Jr. commanded the 33rd Division throughout the war as it served under British, French and American operational command. The 370th Infantry Regiment fought under French command, and was decorated for actions in the Oise-Aisne Offensive and in Lorraine.
The World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial located in Springfield was constructed to honor the 987,000 men and women from the state who served our country during World War II and the 22,000 Illinois veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and liberty for humanity. The stories and interviews of Illinois’ native World War II veterans can be found on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library’s website. Stories like those of Gerald 'Andy' Anderson, who fought with the fabled 1st Infantry Division from Sicily through the end of World War II. He landed in the second wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was wounded twice, the first time during the battle for the German city of Aachen. He was evacuated to England, but rejoined the division during its fight in the Battle of the Bulge where it held the northern shoulder of the bulge despite repeated attacks. Andy insisted on staying with his unit when injured a second time, and after the war returned to the United States in September 1945. In 1949 he married Jo Hillman, the woman he had corresponded with throughout the war.
This Veterans Day, you can take part by attending events or parades, volunteering or taking the time to thank a veteran you know and ask about their service.
