Honoring Our Veterans on Veterans’ Day
Published 3:02 pm Wednesday, November 8, 2006
On a special day, Nov. 11, Americans across this country will be saluting and honoring all veterans, past and present, in their own special way. They will be showing their appreciation toward those who sacrificed their own lives so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms granted to us by our constitution.
Some people will be watching a parade, while others will be having an outdoor cookout. There will also be ceremonies at the different veteran memorials where there will be singing, giving of speeches, and praying. Locally, a memorial service for veterans will be held at the veterans monument in front of the Lafayette County Courthouse, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.
In a Veterans’ Day Proclamation, issued on Oct. 31, President George Bush reminded us of the importance of observing this upcoming holiday. “As we recall the service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, we are reminded that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice. This Veterans’ Day, we give thanks to those who have served freedom’s cause; we salute the members of our Armed Forces who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and, we honor the men and women who left America’s shores but did not live to be thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered by our country,” President Bush said.
To enchance the Veterans Day experience for everyone, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs encourages all veterans to proudly wear the medals they earned during their military service on their uniform. “We expect Americans will see our decorated heroes united in spirit at ceremonies, in parades, and elsewhere as a compelling symbol of courage and sacrifice on Veterans Day. Wearing their medals will demonstrate the deep pride our veterans have in their military service and bring Veterans Day home to all American citizens,” R. James Nicolson said.
Veterans’ Day, also known as Armistice Day, has been observed since 1919, when the late President Woodrow Wilson first commemorated it. In 1938, Congress made it into an official holiday to be observed nationwide on the 11th day of November.
