Echoes of Armistice Day and the Radio Waves That Changed Remembrance
Armistice Day, now known as Veterans Day in the United States, began as a solemn pause on November 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I. But in 1923, the day took on a new dimension when former President Woodrow Wilson delivered a radio address that would become the earliest surviving recording of a regular broadcast, captured with groundbreaking electrical technology.
Wilson’s speech went beyond honoring fallen soldiers; he used the occasion to voice his disappointment over America’s refusal to join the League of Nations, urging the nation to embrace ideals of global cooperation. His words reflected a tension between national pride and international responsibility, hinting at the unresolved conflicts that would later shape the 20th century.
Today, the recording stands as both a technical milestone and a reminder that remembrance can be as much about future hopes as past sacrifices. In the static of old broadcasts, the call for peace still lingers.
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