Lt. Col. Will Brown was on a mission during World War I that took an unexpected turn. Brown was in southern France with the U.S. Army. He was checking out road conditions as the U.S. and Allies looked to finally defeat Germany and the Central Powers.
But his mission changed very quickly. Lt. Col. Brown got official word that the Armistice of November 11, 1918 had taken effect. The war was over and Brown suddenly became a messenger of peace.
Brown went town to town in southern France, sharing the wonderful news with the French people. He cried out in French the words “Finis la guerre” which meant the war’s over. Families would run to greet Brown. Children and their parents were waving flags in the streets celebrating the joyous news.
Brown’s peace mission was reported in his hometown
Brown’s peace mission was reported in his hometown newspaper, the Indianapolis Star, including parts of a letter he wrote: “I can not express my gratitude at being able to perform such a mission, nor can I describe the relief in my own mind and heart at the thoughts that hostilities have ceased and we no longer have to stand up as targets to an enemy’s shellfire, gas attacks or other barbarous methods by which this horrible war has been conducted….”
Lt. Col. Brown was so thankful for the end to the war and prayed that a lasting peace was in sight. After being in the horror that was supposed to be “The war to end all wars” peace was the great hope. Armistice Day, November 11, celebrates the end of World War I and the hope for peace. But we are still searching for a lasting world peace.
On Armistice Day we must keep up the quest for an end to all wars and a forever peace. That is a mission we must never abandon. In fact one of the lessons of World War I is that conflict gives rise to another powerful enemy, hunger. The war had destroyed agriculture and food supplies.
Millions of civilians in Europe faced starvation after
Millions of civilians in Europe faced starvation after the Armistice and were saved by food from the American people. Many veterans were part of the American Relief Administration that delivered this life-saving aid.
We must never forget that where there is war there is hunger and famine. We should bring food for peace to those in need around the world. This is a peace mission we all can advocate for and support.
Armistice Day is today known as Veterans Day to honor all those who have served in the military. We should also remember to help those service members who are struggling in hunger. During World War II America started a food stamp program to help families in need on the Homefront. Military veterans were among those able to purchase groceries thanks to the food stamps.
Today, the modern day version of food stamps
Today, the modern day version of food stamps is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Over a million military veterans have used SNAP to buy groceries. However a law passed by Congress last year makes it harder for veterans to keep these SNAP benefits beyond 3 months. Veterans are now required to fill out paperwork after 3 months demonstrating work and volunteer hours so they can keep receiving SNAP benefits. Previously veterans were exempt from these rules.
There is now the danger that some veterans could lose their SNAP benefits if they fail to complete the complex paperwork or get enough work or volunteer hours. Congress should take action to make sure veterans who need SNAP don’t have to jump through hoops to retain these benefits. Military veterans who need SNAP should get an exemption from the time limit and work rules.
On this Armistice Day/Veterans Day let’s thank our soldiers for their service and give them a helping hand. We must continue searching for that lasting peace that the Armistice of 1918 gave us hope could be achieved.
