Showing Appreciation of Our Veterans

Veterans Day was established as a tribute to the end of “the war to end all wars” — when World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month on Nov. 11, 1918.

According to the Veterans Administration, there was a series of date changes over the years. One of those changes came with the Uniform Holiday Bill signed in 1968 in which Veterans Day became a part of a series of three-day holiday weekends — much to the chagrin of veterans organization. That first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971.

“It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97, which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people,” according to the VA.

“Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

Local celebrations here in Greenwich will begin on Monday, Nov. 10.

Monday, Nov. 10:

Students at New Lebanon School on Mead Avenue will host a Salute to Veterans at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10. Guests are asked to arrive at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 11:

8:30 a.m. Riverside School, 90 Hendri Ave. Riverside, town officials will attend the students’ ceremony.

10 a.m. Sponsored by the Military Mothers’ Network of The Greenwich Military Covenant of Care there will be the 2nd annual community walk beginning at the top of Greenwich Avenue walking down the Avenue to the World War I memorial at the corner of Arch Street and Greenwich Avenue.

At 11 a.m., there will be the annual American Legion ceremony at the World War I memorial where the Youth of the Year award will be presented.

At 7 p.m. the Byram Veterans Association will hold its annual, stepping off from its Delavan Avenue post, proceeding through the village, ending at the Byram Fire Department for a service.

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