The Eleventh Hour

Few things can be taken for granted by this nation, now in the midst of one of the most chaotic presidential elections in history. But regardless of who is declared the winner--an announcement that could come as early as this afternoon or as late as ten days from now--we can be thankful that America's battles were those of words and not of war. Indeed, an armed crisis during this period of political vulnerability could have crippled this nation. And so it is fitting that this Saturday, Veteran's Day, we acknowledge the innumerable contributions of the brave men and women who fought--and today still fight--for peace.

From patriots those who died in the American Revolution to soldiers who protected democratic interests in the Persian Gulf, Veteran's Day is a time to honor the deeds of heroes otherwise unsung. Already, Harvard students in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) have participated in a 24-hour silent guard to honor POW and MIA soldiers. The same group will also take part in a Veteran's Day parade to be held in Boston on Saturday.

But the majority of students will likely see the holiday as merely part of a three-day weekend. Nevertheless, a fitting tribute can be short and solumn:

In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, World War I came to an end. It is for this event that Veteran's Day, originally called Armistace Day, was originally comissioned. It is for this reason that, in parades and ceremonies across the nation, Americans will observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m.

Participating in this humble gesture of gratitude is the least we can do to remember the deeds of those who have met our nation's highest calling.