The US originally observed Armistice Day, but it later evolved into the current Veterans Day, a day dedicated to veterans of all wars.
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Since the Revolutionary War, more than 2.8 million Americans have been killed or wounded in defense of freedom, both here and around the world. The last name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall is Lt. Richard Vandegeer, U.S. Air Force, killed on Koh Tang Island, almost 25 years after that first KIA. The memorial is the culmination of efforts by students from the class of 2012 who began fundraising three years ago and are finally seeing their dream of recognizing local veterans from all branches of service come to fruition.
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Veterans will execute the traditional 21-gun salute.
This year has been designated the year of the woman veteran.
In August he was honored by the Alabama Broadcasters Association (ABA) as their 2015 Citizen of the Year during their annual conference at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel.
Veterans Day is officially commemorated at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month. He is retired Capt. Henry R. Parker, U.S. Army.
On December 19, 2005, the then 24-year-old was serving in Iraq when he drove a Humvee into a trip wire that ignited two 155 mm artillery shells hidden in a tumbleweed. From 1979 to 1996 he worked as a program director and supervisory social worker at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Boise.
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At 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, at Williamsville Cemetery, 5402 Main St., members of the George F. Lamm American Legion Post 622, Amherst Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 416 and representatives of the Town of Amherst and Village of Williamsville will gather for a remembrance ceremony. The parade route is Jefferson and Bannock streets between 4th and 10th streets. The celebration of Armistice Day was made an official USA holiday by Congress in 1938.
