Veterans Day events set at courthouse
Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, is Veterans Day in America.
This is a national holiday established by the United States Congress to remember and give honor to the men and women who have served in our armed services.
Formerly called Armistice Day, the holiday originated to commemorate the end of World War I, referred to as the “war to end all wars” due to the new and destructive chemical warfare introduced and the number of countries and military personnel involved.
World War I ended on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. 1918. In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized Armistice Day to honor those who fought and brought about the end of the war. In 1938 Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday.
The thought then was that no other war would equal it. However, World War II disproved that theory with the largest buildup of military force known to man.
In 1947 a bill was introduced in the U. S House of Representatives by U. S. Representative Raymond Weeks of Kansas to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day and include all past and present men and women of military service. This bill was passed in 1954 and signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower.
In November 1982 President Reagan presented Rep. Weeks with the Presidential Citizens Medal. In 1968 Congress passed a bill changing Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. This move was not popular with citizens or veterans and in 1978 the date was changed back to Nov. 11.
The Falls County Historical Commission, in sponsorship with the American Legion Post 31, will present the 2024 Veterans Day Program on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Falls County Courthouse third floor courtroom.
This year’s program will be a tribute to the six branches of the U.S military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. America’s military is the finest and most prepared security force in the world. Their mission is the protection of American citizens and property at home and abroad. Yet each branch has a specialized function that produces effective results when combined with the other branches.
Since the beginning of our country men and women have fought for our freedoms and many have made the supreme sacrifice. Please honor our nation’s heroes by being present for an informative program on the history and operation of America’s military by those who have been there. Join us for the program, ringing of the bell and laying of the wreath.