In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" In 1953 townspeople in Emporia, Kansas called the holiday Veterans' Day in gratitude to the veterans in their town. Soon after, Congress passed a bill introduced by a Kansas congressman renaming the federal holiday to Veterans' Day. In 1971, President Nixon declared it a federal holiday on the second Monday in November. Americans still give thanks on Veterans' Day and commemorate those living and lost in service. At 11:00 in the morning, some Americans observe a moment of silence, remembering those who fought for peace.
Watching the Fort Hood Memorial ceremony yesterday, I realized that I probably take for granted all that military personnel and their families do for this country every day. The choice to serve your country is the choice to put yourself in the line of fire from enemies both foreign and domestic 24/7/365. It's an enormous and unselfish sacrifice that I admire more and more each year. I could take this opportunity to talk about the woeful resources out there to address the various health and stress issues faced by these folks but instead I'll just show my appreciation.
So as you are enjoying your holiday (or just making it through another work day), stop and send up a good thought for the brave men and women in service to our nation. As for this cocktail, even I'm not brave enough to try this one but if you do… drink sensibly and enjoy!
An Army Ranger
Bacardi® 151 Rum ½ ounce
Red Bull® Energy Drink 8 oz can
Jagermeister® Herbal Liqueur 1 ounce
Blending Instructions:
Mix the Jagermeister herbal liqueur, Bacardi 151 rum and Red Bull energy drink in a mug or tall glass
Float a slice of both lime and lemon on top, and serve
7 comments:
I have a poppy attached to the strap on my purse. I leave it there. Back in '02, I was at a memorial service for my Grandfather at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a sad day. Not only was I missing my Grandfather, but the sight of all the graves and the solemnity of the military personnel that accompanied us to the grave site was almost too much to take. It was the February after 9/11/01 and when I was being driven from the airport to the hotel where we all stayed, the taxi went passed the Pentagon on the side which had been damaged by the hijacked airplane. My Grandfather joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor. He was the only one of my grandparents that was always ready to tell a story and he told the story of being at a Redskin's football when the news was broadcast about Pearl Harbor. I keep the poppy on my purse to remind me of him and my other grandparents. I think we have lost a lot with the passing of the generation that lived through two world wars and the depression. I have the utmost respect for those serving in the military. It is one thing to say you support America and a whole other thing to put your life on the line for it.
OneChele FTW - my fiance is in the military serving over seas right now! Thank you for recognizing him others like him!
I have a brother in Germany, he just left Killeen two weeks ago. I believe I will try this Army Ranger drink - looks seriously dangerous! If one might ask... how do you know about all these drinks ;-)
Currently stationed in Florida. Good lookin' out. Don't mess with those Jager/red Bull drinks - nothing but trouble.
I'm embarrassed to say I did not know the history of Veterans' Day though I assumed it was something like this (I actually thought Armistice Day was something else). See, here on the bougie blog I can read AND learn - LOL. A sharp salute to all the soldiers - we appreciate ya!
I must admit I had to look up a veteran's day drink - not a Jagermeister girl. The other ones in the bougie cocktail moments though... I might have had a sip or two. :-)
My oldest brother is a retired Marine, my second oldest is active duty Marine, my oldest sons father is in the Army and I have a few friends who served and are now home. I salute them all, appreciate them all, and love them greatly. Freedom is not free.
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