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#CountdownToVeteransDay with the World War I Centennial Commission

A day of remembrance, recognition, and thanks for the veterans in our communities.

This year, Fun Academy Motion Pictures teamed with the United States World War I Centennial Commission in a #CountdownToVeteransDay campaign to shine a light on the veterans in our daily lives, those hometown heroes who raised their right hands and swore to defend the Constitution of the United States at home and abroad.

ARMISTICE DAY ORIGINS

11:00 am, November 11, 1918: on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the guns fell silent.

While the cessation of hostilities was a welcome relief to European powers who had been devastated by mechanized warfare, the American experience in WWI was different: our young nation had come to the defense of our allies, deployed thousands of miles away from our cities and farms, and prevailed in the face of a never-before-seen adversity.

“Armistice Day” began as a holiday to celebrate the brave doughboys of the American Expeditionary Force. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to recognize all who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces.

VETERANS DAY, REMEMBRANCE DAY, MEMORIAL DAY…WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Every November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day in the United States to honor all veterans: current and retired, living and deceased, those who saw combat and those who served during peace time, active duty and National Guard/reservists. The day is intended to celebrate and, whenever possible, thank them in person for their willingness to serve under any circumstances.

Around the rest of the world – especially in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations – November 11 is known as Remembrance Day and focuses on the fallen. The red poppy symbol comes from the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae and inspired by the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915.

The American day of honoring the fallen is Memorial Day, observed the last Monday of every May. According to the Memorial Day Foundation: 

Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor the sacrifices of innumerable individuals who sacrificed themselves to preserve the freedoms all Americans enjoy, with Memorial Day remembering those who gave their lives, and Veterans Day honoring all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Also celebrated in May, Armed Forces Day is dedicated to those currently serving in all branches of the military. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Army National Guard components also celebrate their individual holidays.

NOVEMBER 12 & BEYOND

11/11 is a day of celebrations, service industry discounts, and volunteering to honor veterans. But all of our lives are impacted daily by current and former military members…our schools, offices, even families are filled with inconspicuous vets who don’t talk about their service.

So what can we do?

Ask the questions. Record the stories. Provide support for painful memories. Teach the next generation what it takes to protect and defend our society.

And above all, say thanks.

THE FILM

Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero is the incredible true story of a stray bull terrier mutt and the lasting bond he forged with the doughboys of the 26th “Yankee” Division at the onset of America’s entry into World War I. For his valorous actions, Stubby was the first dog promoted to the rank of Sergeant in U.S. Army history. The film has been selected as an official project of the United States World War I Centennial Commission and is the first animated feature for Fun Academy Motion Pictures and Labyrinth Media & Publishing, producers of motion pictures that entertain, innovate, and inspire audiences of all ages.

Starring Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter, Gérard Depardieu
Music by Patrick Doyle
Animation by Mikros Image

The film is slated to theatrically debut in April 2018. For exclusive production updates, follow Stubby’s big screen adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest!