Each Veterans Day, I visit my fellow veterans to place a small American flag at the graves of relatives and friends in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. One year, I wrote this piece.

The Armistice:
The official end to World War I was penned with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Seven months earlier, though, at 11:00 am, on Nov. 11, 1918, an agreement (armistice) between the Allied Nations and Germany had effectively brought an end to military action. Thus, Armistice Day became the commemorative landmark for “the war to end all wars.” Observed as a federal U.S. holiday since 1938, President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 issued a proclamation designating the Veterans’ Administration as the official manager of the renamed national holiday, as Veterans Day. Eisenhower’s long career as General of the Army and his experiences with the tragedy of war are reflected in his words, "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
With the approval of Public Law 380 on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to recognize American veterans of all wars; a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve.

A visit to St. Louis' 331-acre Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is a quieting experience, a day trip you should make this fall. Stand on one of the hills and survey all you can see of the 237,000 interments.

Field of Crosses, Liberty’s Bed
Bury me in that field of crosses there, as far as the eye can see.
My sisters and brothers, Veterans we
Are Souls at attention who faithfully stood.
Liberty threatened, we did what we could.

Put me there. For in honor, I served. For the cause I was sent.
I answered the call, my strength was all spent.
A dread knock at the door for millions and more,
Post a gold star, add to the score.

Crucifix of Christ, Stars of David set here.
Symbolize grief, count loss, bury fear.
Oh, dear God! Our youth are gone, but victories won... and lost.
What’s the cost?

Conflict and sin disrupt again and again; repeat, repeat.
Victory! defeat.
Tyrannies rise, liberty falls and, spilt blood paints the land.
Veterans paid and here they are laid.
In fields of crosses, Liberty’s bed is made.

LV ‘Jack’ Randolph
USAF veteran