Thank a veteran
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Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans for their patriotism. Major hostilities of WW I were formally ended in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month with the German signing of the Armistice; this day is celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world. Something I learned last week is that when the holiday is termed Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements – both are incorrect – according to the U.S. government which declared that veterans is attributive (word that modifies a noun) and not possessive.
Last weekend, our small town of 500+ celebrated Veterans Day with an annual celebration and parade. There was a Coast Guard color guard, scout troops, a high school marching band . . .
Fire companies from neighboring towns joined in the parade.
Many antique cars were in the parade line-up.
After the parade, town residents were invited to the local fire department for hot dogs and chili and an awards ceremony to honor area veterans. The historic Onley train station held an open house the same day.
Veterans Day has undergone many changes since 1918.
- In 1938, November 11 was designated as a legal holiday to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”
- In 1954, Armistice Day was officially renamed Veterans Day to honor those who served in World War II and Korea.
- In 1969, The Uniform Holiday Bill was signed to increase the number of 3-day ensure holiday weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. However, many states continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
- In 1971, the first Veterans Day under the new law was observed on October 25 and met with objection by veterans groups and the general public.
- In 1975, a law was signed returning the annual observance to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.
Thanks to Veterans – Everywhere
13 comments:
Hi Folks..thanks for the history of this day of honoring those who served!!
Because of their mascot or team name, Our local high school calls itself The Bears' Den. Drives me crazy.
Great post. What a cool parade!
Happy Veterans Day.
Lois
Yes, thank you. Nice post.
My town of 28,000 has never had a parade since back in the 50's.That is what i miss. They gave us a free breakfast and a small ceremony. It is fun to see a larger celebration.
Thanks for the history lesson!
We haven´t been to war for almost two hundred years now (1814 I think it was we helped the Brits against Napoleon)and haven´t this holiday.
Have a great day now!
Christer.
I think it's wonderful that among my blogging friends three wrote about today and one was you, from the US, another from Canada and my friend Cazzie from Australia.
Thanks All for the comments on this significant day. If you know or have a veteran in your own family than thanks to them!
Thanks Grammie G, Lois, Mona.
AC, think I missed something - what connection does the high school's mascot/team name have with this date?
Hi Out on the Prairie, not many towns around these parts host parades of any sort. But this little town has made this its annual parade event. In truth the parade lasts less than 10 minutes and there's not a huge turnout, unless you count the crowds that show up at the fire dept for the free hot dogs and chili afterwards.
Hey Christer, how fortunate for your country not to have been to war for nearly 2 centuries. thanks for the visit too.
Ginnie, it was interesting that 2 out of 3 blogger friends who posted about Veterans Day were not even from the U.S.
As an American by Choice, I appreciate the patriotism surrounding holidays honoring our military.
Great parade and good post!
Thanks for the visit and comment, Kjell.
Elaine, it was a nice parade. the organizers deserve lots of credit as well.
very nice post, love all the photos
Thanks Country Mouse, it was a nice day for a celebration too. APpreciate the visit and comment.
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