HdG Veterans Day 2019: Parade, Lunch, Movie

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Havre de Grace is celebrating Veterans Day in several ways. A parade will kick off the festivities at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow. At night, the opera house will screen a film about World War I in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

Veterans Day was first recognized as "Armistice Day" in 1919, exactly one year after World War I ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day in the 11th month.

Business was suspended at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1919, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, so jurisdictions could hold ceremonies and parades to celebrate peacekeeping. In the years that followed, the name was changed to Veterans Day at the urging of veterans organizations and the date of Nov. 11 was established for the annual observance.

The idea is "to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good," according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Parade

Cities across the country will celebrate veterans at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, including Havre de Grace.

The Havre de Grace Veterans Day Parade will start at Hutchins Park and end at the American Legion Post 47. It will travel on Congress Avenue to Washington Street to Saint John Street.

Lunch

The parade will be followed by a luncheon at the American Legion that is open to all at 501 Saint John Street.

Movie

The Havre de Grace Arts Collective will present "The Big Parade" on the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

The screening will be at 6 p.m. Monday in the Cultural Center at the Opera House, 121 North Union Avenue.

Tickets are free for veterans; otherwise, admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors.

Related:

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• Veterans Parade Planned In Havre de Grace For 2019