Dear Catch readers,

The year 2020 has demanded resiliency from each one of us.  Across the world, we’ve been challenged by Covid-19, and the multitude of consequences have reached us all.  That very call for human resiliency, and honoring those who willingly step into it, is what we celebrate on Veterans Day.

The history of Veterans Day in the United States goes back more than a century and spans the breadth of many different presidencies, yet its purpose remains to honor military veterans who have served the United States Armed Forces.

Beginning in 1919, Veterans Day was first called “Armistice Day” by President Woodrow Wilson.  In his address to the nation, he expressed what he felt the day meant to Americans:

“To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who served or 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 nations.”

A Congressional Act approved in 1938 made November 11 each year a legal holiday: a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.

After WWII, and with the persuasion of veteran Raymond Weeks who became known as the “Father of Veterans Day,” Armistice Day was expanded to honor all veterans, not just those that served in WWI.

In 1954, Congress replaced “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

Surviving a century of mountains and deep valleys in American history, Wilson’s initial purpose for a Veterans Day remains intact: On November 11 each year, we honor the resiliency of those Americans who have fought to protect political freedom, economic concert, world peace and justice for all.

Catch Magazine’s Veterans Day 2020 Special Edition features a Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing essay called “Casting to Heal.”  A nationwide non-profit organization, PHWFF helps veterans with rehabilitation through all things fly fishing.  “Casting to Heal” reflects on how one of their projects builds camaraderie and how fly casting allows these veterans to overcome and live full lives.

It’s our pleasure to share with you this story of resiliency and healing in 2020.  Enjoy the issue!

Kelley

Kelley Moen

Editor, Catch Magazine