Veterans Day Celebrations Set
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Nov 7, 2009, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Day-long activities allows community to show respect, appreciation for their service to our community
The Korean War Veterans Association, American Legion Post 49 and countless other veterans’ organizations are leading off a day-long of activities to honor all veterans who have served our country. The community is invited to join in all of the festivities.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
- 8:00 a.m. Korean War Veterans Association Ceremony Jarvis Plaza
- 10:00 a.m. American Legion Post 59 Veterans’ Day Parade – St. Peter’s Plaza to San Agustin Plaza (along Matamoros)
- 11:00 a.m. American Legion Post 59 Veterans’ Day Ceremony San Agustin Plaza
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
