By: Susan Kolodziejczyk
The Belton Journal
In the USA, Veteran’s Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of Armistice, which ended World War I hostilities between the allied nations and Germany in 1918.
Generally, two minutes of silence is held on the 11th hour, of the 11th day ,of the 11th month in ceremonies across the nation.
Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time on November 11, 1919. President Woodrow 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”.
Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veteran’s Day and is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans.
In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the anniversary of the Armistice should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving.
Congress also requested that the president “issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11, and invite the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”
An act was approved on May 13, 1938, which made November 11 in each year a legal holiday known as Armistice Day.
This day was originally intended to honor veterans of World War I, but a few years later, World War II began. WWII, followed by the Korean war brought the largest mobilization of servicemen in the history of the United States.
In 1954 the veteran service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans”. Congress approved this change and on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor all American veterans, wherever and whenever they had served.
This Monday, November 11, the Belton Veterans Day ceremony will be held in the front parking lot of the Belton Chamber of Commerce at 412 E. Central Avenue. The event will include representatives from the local VFW’s.
