Midland College To Host Veterans Day Celebration

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Veterans Affairs 

Veterans Day, a day to remember the sacrifice and service that has been given to this great country. Veterans Day of all days is a day that you should teach your children about.

One thing, that I think we have fallen short on is teaching our children the importance of honoring our veterans. Do your children even know why we celebrate Veterans Day? If it wasn't for these veterans, we wouldn't be here today.

When you hear "Taps" it should stop you in your tracks, it should move you. Today on this day, thank a veteran! Do let this day end without some kind of remembrance.

Here is a little history on this special day:

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

Today at Midland College you can be apart of the Veteran's Day celebration. Today at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, many will gather to celebrate those who have fought for us. There will be a flag ceremony, "Taps" will be played and they will honor a 96 year of WWII Veteran. It is free and open to the public.