It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11.
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At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent in Europe. The armistice brought an end to World War I, known as the war to end all wars.
Wednesday at 11 a.m., there will be a Veterans Day ceremony at the square. There is even the grave of one who served in the Revolutionary War and one Confederate.
For years the city of Jerome has honored those men and women who left home to fight for our county on foreign lands.
It was best the holiday be all-encompassing and not focus on one conflict.
As a Veteran, I am proud of my service and understand the sacrifices that so many families have made. I also remember my father who longed to serve – and in 1917, during World War I, he turned 14 and went to the recruiting center in Cincinnati to sign up for the service.
Veterans’ Day is rightfully reserved to commend the valor displayed and lives given in places like the Argonne Forest, Okinawa, Bastogne, Inchon, Khe Sanh and Fallujah.
And that is why we set aside a day to thank everyone who has worn a USA military uniform with honor for their work, sacrifices and dedication.
In 1954, the name was changed to “Veterans Day”.
But for the past five years, at least, the group has acted big – pressing its members to ring bells on November 11 to mark Armistice Day, the precursor to Veterans Day, to reclaim the day for what they say it was originally intended: marking an end to war and a call for peace.
Take a few time out of your day to visit a veteran and thank them for their service.
Former San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson, who served in the Marines, will be the keynote speaker at the annual observance at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
We will never forget them!
You may have noticed that a number of businesses and organizations have come up with ways to show appreciation for America’s active military and its veterans. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov. And though communities across the country participate in this national day of recognition with parades and a variety of other celebrations, hundreds of businesses – large and small – also do their part to say “thank you” to our veterans.
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Like many people, I am remembering my family members today who served in the military.
