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Veterans Day

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On November 11, 1918, the Armistice that ended World War I was signed. One year later, President Wilson proclaimed that “Armistice Day” be celebrated on November 11th in the United States as a way to commemorate the sacrifice made by hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women who served during World War I. On that day, President Wilson said, “’To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who 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 the nations.’” It was only seven years later that Congress passed a resolution officially recognizing November 11th as Armistice Day.

Over the next several decades, Armistice Day was celebrated as a day to honor those who served in World War I. Upon its conclusion, many referred to World War I as “The Great War,” believing that as horrific as it was, there was no chance that the world would see such a monumental conflict again. As the United States found itself in the throes of World War II, it became evident that “The Great War” was soon to be undermined by the shocking events and total devastation of World War II. Americans began to understand the importance of honoring all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.

Al King, an Emporia, Kansas shoe store owner became the champion of changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day and after garnering much local support, Mr. King presented his idea to then Kansas Representative Ed Rees. On May 26, 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill officially changing Armistice Day to “All Veterans Day.” Congress amended the act in November to simplify the name to Veterans Day.

Since the conclusion of World War II, America has found itself in the midst of conflict with several nations. From price anything sprays aside.

would not be possible. Many organizations devote their resources to helping veterans. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is one of the most well-known of these groups. By accepting donations of household goods, including vehicles, the organization is able to raise funds to promote the physical and mental rehabilitation of combat-wounded soldiers. Project Healing Waters is an organization that has approached their mission of assisting in the rehabilitation of wounded veterans in a creative way; the organization “serves military personnel who have been wounded, injured or disabled…by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and fly tying and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as lifelong recreation.” These are just two of many organizations dedicated to provide a service in gratitude to the heroes of our nation.

At APUS, where the majority of our students are affiliated with the military, we recognize and honor the tremendous commitment and sacrifice made by our nation’s military. Today, veterans, we honor you and your commitment and sacrifice to our country. Thank you for all you’ve done.

Wally Boston Dr. Wallace E. Boston was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of American Public University System (APUS) and its parent company, American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) in July 2004. He joined APUS as its Executive Vice President in 2002. In September 2019, Dr. Boston retired as CEO of APEI and retired as APUS President in August 2020. Dr. Boston guided APUS through its successful initial accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association in 2006 and ten-year reaccreditation in 2011. In November 2007, he led APEI to an initial public offering on the NASDAQ Exchange. For four years from 2009 through 2012, APEI was ranked in Forbes' Top 10 list of America's Best Small Public Companies. During his tenure as president, APUS grew to over 85,000 students, 200 degree and certificate programs, and approximately 100,000 alumni. While serving as APEI CEO and APUS President, Dr. Boston was a board member of APEI, APUS, Hondros College of Nursing, and Fidelis, Inc. Dr. Boston was appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity by the U.S. Secretary of Education in 2019. He also serves as a member of the Board of Advisors of the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), as a Trustee of The American College of Financial Services, as a member of the board of Our Community Salutes - USA, and as a member and chair of the board of New Horizons Worldwide. He has authored and co-authored papers on the topic of online post-secondary student retention, and is a frequent speaker on the impact of technology on higher education. Dr. Boston is a past Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the McDonogh School, a private K-12 school in Baltimore. In his career prior to APEI and APUS, Dr. Boston served as either CFO, COO, or CEO of Meridian Healthcare, Manor Healthcare, Neighborcare Pharmacies, and Sun Healthcare Group. Dr. Boston is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Chartered Global Management Accountant. He earned an A.B. degree in History from Duke University, an MBA in Marketing and Accounting from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. In 2008, the Board of Trustees of APUS awarded him a Doctorate in Business Administration, honoris causa, and, in April 2017, also bestowed him with the title President Emeritus. In August 2020, the Board of Trustees of APUS appointed him Trustee Emeritus. In November 2020, the Board of Trustees announced that the APUS School of Business would be renamed the Dr. Wallace E Boston School of Business in recognition of Dr. Boston's service to the university. Dr. Boston lives with his family in Austin, Texas.

Comment(2)

  1. Thanks for your mention of Project Healing Waters. They do good work for good people. I have been involved in taking them fishing during Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association’s annual tournament which donates its proceeds to PHW. It is always a gratifying experience.

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