Veterans Day

In 1919, one year after the Armistice with Germany took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, President Wilson presented a message to his “fellow-countrymen.” The last two paragraphs of his message read as follows:

“Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.

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 nations.”

In celebration of this important holiday, we thank you veterans of our community. As President Wilson noted, your efforts and heroism provide the opportunity to appreciate unmatched economic and political freedom.

Your efforts in service to our country directly impact our well-being and financial stability. As we at the bank lend money to new homeowners, we will be grateful for private property rights protected because of your service. As we lend to small businesses, we will be thankful we enjoy opportunities to pursue entrepreneurial ventures with the freedom capitalism promotes because you joined ranks in service to our nation’s common good.

The economic concert Wilson spoke of over 100 years ago continues with no encore in sight. Despite one of the greatest financial recessions in our nation’s history, an uncertain outlook and employment shortages, we remain a truly great economic powerhouse; we are a concert the likes of Beethoven, the Beatles, Elvis and NKOTB have never performed. Thank you to our service members for striking the harmonies of peace and justice, acting for the greater good, and giving yourself for your country.

Joshua Riggins is the president of Farmers & Mechanics Federal Bank in Bloomfield, and is committed to providing customers with a reliable and competent banking experience.