Foxborough to Observe Veterans Day This Tuesday

From Bob Siteman, Chairman of the Foxborough Veterans Services Advisory Committee

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Come out on November 11th at 11:00am in the Foxborough High School auditorium and join your fellow citizens of Foxborough to celebrate “all of our veterans”. The Veteran’s Day observance will be MC’ed by Joseph Lally with an Invocation given by Reverend Richard Schlak of the Lutheran Church of our Redeemer. Following the Invocation Town Historian Jack Authelet; along with all Boy, Girl, and Cub Scouts present will lead the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance.

And what would Veteran’s Day in Foxborough be without our own “Serenading Seniors”; led by Jeanne Bonneau, as they start off their performance with the National Anthem. Later in the program they will perform their always anticipated medley of Patriotic songs and their “Tribute to the Armed Forces”

John Gray, Vice Chairman of the Foxborough Board of Selectmen will make some opening remarks, followed by Ali Kafel, Sophomore at Foxborough High School will speak on the personal meaning of Veteran’s Day.

Mike Johns, Director of Veteran’s Service Department for the Town of Foxboro will be the Keynote Speaker. Mike will be followed by Captain Dekek White, United States Air Force and Senior Pastor of Bethany Church will give the Benediction.

Following the event everyone is invited to move down to the Foxborough High School cafeteria for light refreshments generously provided by the Doolittle Home in Foxborough. So come out and join us for what should be another memorable Veterans Day here in Foxborough.

If you are unable to get to the event it will be broadcast live by Foxborough Cable Access on Comcast channel 22 and Verizon channel 38.