11-11-11-11

Jim Brandenburg, CPA, MST, Shareholder - Tax  email | bio
November 2011

Recently in this column, we took a break from reporting on the goings-on in Washington and possible tax changes to reflect on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Once again, I pause to remember. This month we recognize Veterans Day on November 11, 2011 (11-11-11). Originally known as "Armistice Day" or "Rememberance Day," November 11th commemorates the end of World War I. Its name was changed to Veterans Day following World War II.

Did you know that the phrase the "11th hour" has roots with WWI as well? We now use this expression to mean getting something done right before a due date or a deadline. For many years, the "11th hour" had another quite different meaning. It was at the "11th hour," on the 11th day, of the 11th month that the guns fell silent along the Western Front as the Allies and Germany observed the agreement to end this "War to End All Wars."

As we remember at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, in the 11th month, in this 11th year (the 93rd anniversary of the end of WWI), we can enjoy the freedoms this country was founded on and still offers. In fact, the last know veteran surviving World War I died this year at age 110. Perhaps another way to look at this though is to say, there are millions of Americans that are living survivors today as a result of the efforts of those who served. We owe you a debt of gratitude, and we salute you. So this November, a month we celebrate our nation's founding and our many blessings at Thanksgiving, we all might consider extending a hand of thanks for those who serve. Please don't put it off until the 11th hour.