Armistice Day celebrated the end of World War I in 1918 and was the predecessor to Veterans Day. The fighting on the Western Front ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This peace was ratified in the Treaty of Versailles the following year. The day was set aside to honor those who fought in "the war to end all wars," particularly those who died.

Observance of the armistice was most popular in Europe (France still calls it Armistice Day). Over the years people in many countries took to wearing poppies and placing flowers on soldiers' graves in honor of the fallen soldiers from WWI. The poppy was made popular by the now famous poem by a Scottish war veteran, which began with "In Flanders Field the poppies grow." It was not until 1938 when the United States officially recognized Armistice Day. Most pre-boomers learned these facts in elementary school.

Veterans Day replaced the one-war holiday in 1954 so all those who served in the United States military, both in war and peace, could be collectively honored on November 11th each year. This year might be a good time to remember those who are in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan. We owe all those serving in our Armed Forces a "thank you" for protecting our country and our way of life.

One way of not forgetting is a movement that is quietly making its way around the country know as "Red Fridays." Following is an excerpt from an email currently circulating around the country. "Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority.' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

"Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that...Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.

"By word of mouth, press, TV - let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it won't be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

"The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is, 'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday."

I wore red this past Friday and told people why. They liked the idea. How about you?