Several weeks ago, I wrote a legislative column about showing our continued support for our state’s veterans during the holiday season. But before we can even think about putting up our Christmas trees or planning the family Thanksgiving dinner, another day of remembrance falls on our calendar — one that commemorates the tens of millions who have previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces and reintegrated back into our society.
This Veterans Day (Nov. 11), many of you will attend special events and watch colorful parades that honor our country’s heroes. While we participate in these festivities, I’d like to share with you how this celebration first came about, designed to support those who serve both at home and abroad.
More than 65 years ago, the first Veterans Day parade was organized in Birmingham, Ala., to honor all of America’s veterans for their loyal service to our country. A short time later, federal legislation was proposed changing Armistice Day — commemorating the armistice signed between the Allies of WWI and Germany, which took place on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 — to Veterans Day to celebrate all who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and called upon all U.S. citizens to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. At precisely 11:00 a.m., color guard — made up of members from each of the military services — renders honors to America’s war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Typically, the president then places a wreath at the Tomb and then “Taps” is played. A parade of flags displayed by numerous veterans’ service organizations also takes place adjacent to the Tomb.
Back home in the 26th Senatorial District, Franklin County has its very own Veterans Hall of Honor Committee, which was formed by the Franklin County Commission to honor our servicemen and women from the county. Citizens inducted in the Hall of Honor are born or raised in Franklin County, lived in the county for more than 10 years, resided in Franklin County at the time of their entrance into service, or buried in the county or lived in Franklin County and was then laid to rest in the Veterans Cemetery. In addition, the veteran must have been honorably discharged to be included in the Hall of Honor. The Veterans Hall of Honor is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and is closed on holidays. For tour information, please contact Terry Wilson at fcvhoh@franklinmo.net.
This Veterans Day, we set aside time in our chaotic lives and push back our busy schedules to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Services. While we also remember those who have paid the ultimate price to their country, we should use this time to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in war or peacetime. I urge you to thank a veteran for his or her service to our country, acknowledge these heroes’ contributions to our nation, show them your appreciation for defending your God-given rights and constitutional freedoms, and let them know their sacrifice and duty is not in vain. After all, their priceless service to our nation helped shape America’s history.
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