Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank all military personnel who have served the United States. Our community is lucky to be home to hundreds of military service men and women and their families.
We annually observe Veterans Day on November 11, as a reminder of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the 1918 armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. It was officially celebrated for the first time in 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory”.
November 11th was originally intended to honor veterans of World War I. A few years later, World War II required the largest mobilization of service men in the history of the United States and the American forces fought in Korea. This resulted in Congress’ change of the word, “Armistice” to “Veterans”. November 11 became the national day to honor all American veterans.
In 1926, the United States Congress requested a presidential proclamation, calling upon officials to display the United States flag on all Government buildings on November 11. In addition, the day was to be observed in schools and other relevant places, and ceremonies thanking our military began.
As we celebrate this amazing community we thank all Veterans for their incredible service and sacrifices. For information on local activities please visit the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs at http://www.dva.wa.gov/
