On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the armistice between the Allies and Germany came into effect, ceasing hostilities on the Western Front and essentially bringing the ‘Great War’ to an end.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “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…”

For Poland, the end of the ‘Great War’ saw a nation, that was fractured for 123 years, finally reunited and made whole again. November 11th is Poland’s Independence Day.
Narodowe Święto Niepodległości.

In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, November 11th was changed to Veterans Day, a day to honour American Veterans of all wars.

In addition to their normal duties, our Veterans are the ones that brought Isshin Ryu to the US after being stationed in Okinawa following WWII. They trained under Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, and upon returning home, they opened their own dojos to pass on what they learned. Two such Marines important to PSKC, who volunteered decades of their time to help us, are Sensei Stuart Dorow and Sensei Carol Liskai. We are forever grateful to them for their service and generosity.

Many of our PSKC family have chosen paths of service to our nation in all branches of the armed forces. Thank you!