ARMISTICE DAY [NOV. 11, 1918] – FOR GRANDDAD AND THE NATION’S VETERANS

by Richard Knight

Uploaded 11 Nov 2010 — 47 favorites

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Awesome project? History in the making? Report in!

The Guns of August 1914 fell silent at 11 A.M., on the 11th Day, of the 11th Month, of 1918 -- Armistice Day.

My grandfather, John Thornton Knight, Jr., was a Teutonic knight. He was born in the Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1894. His father was an 1884 graduate of West Point and a veteran of four wars. His two grandfathers were cavalry officers in the American Civil War. Granddad was “born to the blue.”

After high school, Granddad was a Yosemite National Park ranger for three years. (He remembered John Muir.) In 1914, he was appointed to West Point. Because of World War I, his class graduated a year early, in August 1917. Granddad was commissioned a lieutenant in the field artillery. Within months, he was in France.

On September 12, 1918, the American Expeditionary Force launched a major offensive against the “St. Mihiel salient.” I vividly recall Granddad’s detailed descriptions of the battle.

For extraordinary heroism at St. Mihiel, Granddad was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. (Only the Medal of Honor is higher.)

Despite the grievous wounds he sustained in the Great War, Granddad was back in uniform for the Second World War, this time serving in the combat engineers.

I was 40 when my grandfather died. He was a surrogate father during the years that Dad was called away by the naval service. I was twice blessed. These were virtuous men.

Shown are Granddad (age 22) at West Point (in 1916); Granddad (age 90) and his grandson (in 1984); and my grandparents’ grave at Arlington National Cemetery (they were married 71 years).

I salute the nation’s veterans, past and present, and their families. I am truly grateful.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

51 responses

Richard Knight added a link (11 Nov 2010):
"Going Home" (A Negro spiritual by Dvorak) and "The Skye Boat Song" are closely associated with World War I. These are lovely arrangements. I hope you enjoy them. (www.youtube.com)
Richard Knight added a link (11 Nov 2010):
"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" is a rousing tribute to the United States Cavalry. You will enjoy this. (www.youtube.com)
Richard Knight added a link (11 Nov 2010):
This arrangement of the "Navy Hymn" is particularly solemn and moving. The video is extraordinary. (www.youtube.com)
John Linton added a link (11 Nov 2010):
The last full measure... (www.youtube.com)
dp * gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Wishing you a wonderful day Richard, nice photo and tribute.
Thad Zajdowicz gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Richard, I salute your family for their service to our country through the generations. Thanks for posting on this special day. Thad
Donald Garrett gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Wonderful remembrances, Dick. All this is so heartfelt and real!
Winky Vivas (Deleted) said (11 Nov 2010):
Dick, this is a wonderful image, narrative, and tribute. I too salute your family, and ALL Veterans, for their sacrifice and service to our country...
Nancy Richard gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Dick, this is a marvelous tribute on this day! You've done them proud in your own inimitable way!
Fred Moskey gave props (11 Nov 2010):
A fine tribute to the greatest Americans, our veterans!
dana iordan gave props (11 Nov 2010):
History becomes so rich with such wonderful personal accounts!...
Betty Maxey gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Wow.... such lineage....You came from great stock Cousin. This is an especially moving trubute!! Thank you!! And THANK YOU to all our service, men and women!!
Betty Maxey said (11 Nov 2010):
Thinking of Sam today too!!! :"""(
Litz Go gave props (11 Nov 2010):
A great tribute! I knew it all along that great genes run in your blood, Sir Richard! Happy Veterans Day to all.
Brad Paro gave props (11 Nov 2010):
What a great tribute Richard. Your works always inspires me!
JanElle gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Truly a wonderful collage and tribute, Richard!! We must always remember those who gave so much..
elfriede fulda gave props (11 Nov 2010):
A wonderful tribute on this day,,thank you for sharing...
Sonia Adam Murray gave props (11 Nov 2010):
A deep and wonderful tribute Dick.
Debrah Leonard (Deleted) gave props (11 Nov 2010):
A very honorable tribute on Veteran's Day...
Leslie Hunziker gave props (11 Nov 2010):
You must be very proud Richard! I salute and honor these and all the good men who have sacrificed for our country!
Brad Paro gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Thanks for your kind words Richard.
Andrea Petersen gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Happy Veteran's Day...Great narrative and photos..I am sorry I cannot get open the U-tube links because of our slow dial up connection, the disadvantage of living in the country, but I know they are beautiful songs.
Nelson Campbell (Deleted) gave props (11 Nov 2010):
An honorable career and a striking man - Excellent tribute.
Ioana Caravan gave props (11 Nov 2010):
Great tribute!
Oregon Curly gave props (12 Nov 2010):
What a stirring memorial to the members, past and present, of our Armed Forces. Blessings upon you and your family and deep gratitude for the ancestral 'tradition' of instilling a strong sense of honor and duty in each generation. This Navy man Salutes the Army, so well represented by you and your family.
Jüri Vissak gave props (12 Nov 2010):
Cool find! Well done.
Ronnie Ginnever gave props (12 Nov 2010):
Richard, you have an impressive family history that deserves to be honored.
Gail Anderson gave props (12 Nov 2010):
She wore a yellow ribbon is one of our favorite movies... this is a great song. This is wonderful tribute to your heritage and the service and sacrifice of your family. I
Patty Gross gave props (13 Nov 2010):
Very suiting and appropriate tribute to your beloved grandfather, Richard. I enjoyed your narrative about him and your grandfathers even further back. Always intriguing, historical, and heartwarming. You have a wonderful family and have every reason to be very proud of the contributions they've made to the freedoms of our country! It is with great respect we honor your grandfather and ALL veterans who have served America so faithfully, at times paying the ultimate price!! God Bless America!
Warren ~Mangione~ gave props (13 Nov 2010):
A epic family biography! Fabulous tribute and the fact that you have that old photo so well preserved is awesome!
Debbie Smartt gave props (13 Nov 2010):
Your story brought me to tears! How great that you have all of this history!
Joerg Schlagheck gave props (13 Nov 2010):
Fantastic truibute!
Suzanne McGeady said (13 Nov 2010):
What an inspirational piece of reading....so love stopping by and listening to your narrative Cap'n. Just an aside to this wonderful tribute to an amazing man, your Grandma's middle name. Very unusual. Is there history behind it? Tigner...I like different.
For your family's service to their country I salute you.
daniele castellucchio gave props (13 Nov 2010):
GREAT TRIBUTE!
Judy and Wayne Wanamaker gave props (14 Nov 2010):
A very moving tribute to a remarkable man by his remarkable grandson. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. Your grandfather is beaming over this one, Dick! Your reverence of your ancestors is rare and very admirable.
Carlo Pagan gave props (14 Nov 2010):
Excellent shot, excellent tribute!!
Richard Knight said (14 Nov 2010):
Thanks everyone for your very kind and thoughtful comments. The family appreciates your sentiments very much!
Shirley Valencia said (14 Nov 2010):
Awesome shot and story , Master Richard.. Salute for Vet's day...
Jean Creamer gave props (15 Nov 2010):
Lovely memorial. We are all proud of our family and friends who served our country!
peggy maguire said (15 Nov 2010):
W0nderful set of memories Dick,Love the meetups Peggy
Deborah Downes gave props (15 Nov 2010):
Such a moving tribute, Dick. You were indeed twice-blessed. Thanks so much for sharing.
Linda Houghton gave props (16 Nov 2010):
Great narrative and tribute & photo
Sarah Springer (Deleted) gave props (16 Nov 2010):
This is a very touching tribute. Very well composed.
Andrew Lorimer (Deleted) gave props (18 Nov 2010):
Amazing remembrances Richard make's me think of my grandfather in the WW1
Regenia Brabham gave props (20 Nov 2010):
What a beautiful tribute!! Now I have another hero. Thank you for sharing him.
Susan Littlefield gave props (20 Nov 2010):
What a marvelous family history you have! I know how proud you are of the fine men in your family; I'm sure they are looking proudly at you! Thank you for sharing yet another wonderful tribute and memory.
Zapata Juan P gave props (21 Nov 2010):
Great words ... thanks 4 sharing
Tom Piorkowski gave props (24 Nov 2010):
What a great tribute, very well done.
Roxana Brivent-Barnes said (1 Dec 2010):
Absolutely touchy, thank you for sharing!
Steven Schutz gave props (3 Dec 2010):
What a terrific collage...LOVE old images....I just cant say enough or even find the words to express how i feel when i look at these images and read the words....
Paperini Renato said (18 Oct 2011):
This dedication is your moving, you feel your love for your loved ones, to whom we owe
everything, not just life. I lost my father that I was only 14 years, before they really know and life since then has been very hard for me and my brothers, my mother had to deal with a courage that could not believe. We honor you for your nice words.