Greetings Brothers and Veterans,
We greet you with the utmost gratefulness for your selfless service to America on this Veterans Day and always. To serve one’s country is a tremendous honor. The brotherhood of the Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., recognizes veterans’ vast and unmeasurable sacrifices over the years – with honor for those who made the supreme sacrifice to lay down their life for a Friend and Country. For, let us always remember – it is a result of the veteran’s bravery, courage, and leadership that we have numerous freedoms throughout the world today. “It’s about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It’s about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they’ve earned when they come home. It’s about serving all of you as well as you’ve served the United States of America.” — Barack Obama
Even though World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, active combat activities concluded “on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” on November 11, 1918. It would not be until June 4, 1926, when the United States Congress passed the following resolution:
“ Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”
Over the past 49 years, the day and name honoring “The Great War” varied. In September 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Veterans Day into law to honor both living Veterans and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for their service to the United States of America.
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has a rich history steeped in military service, as noted by two of our Honorable Founders – Brothers Professor Frank Coleman and Bishop Eager A. Love serving in WWI. Our service started with patriotism, valor, and commitment of men from the Third District, the birthplace of our beloved fraternity. Regardless of their rank or occupational specialty, Omega men from the Commonwealth of Virginia, District of Columbia, and worldwide bravely battled xenophobes in Europe, extremists in the Middle East and insurgents here on homeland to promote and preserve democracy, the foundation of the American way of life.
I thank all Brothers of the Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and veterans who have and currently are serving in the United States Armed Forces for your unwavering contributions to the world. Additionally, we render a proverbial 21-gun salute to those warriors that are no longer with us but whose heroic actions constructed the bedrock of how we live today.
May God continue to bless you, your families, the Third District, and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Our prayer is for God to grant you the strength, wisdom, good health, and success on your journey. The Third District’s Military Affairs Chairman is Brother Myron McDaniels. He can be reached by visiting the Third District website.
In Friendship,
Conrado B. Morgan
Colonel (Brother) Conrado B. Morgan, U.S. Army Retired
District Representative
Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
3rddistrictdr@oppf.org / www.3rddistrictques.org
