FLORENCE-Mayor Steve Holt of Florence and the Chair of the Lauderdale County Commission, Danny Pettus, invite everyone to attend the annual Veterans Day program. Because the official 2018 Veterans Day is on Sunday, November 11, this year’s local ceremony is scheduled for Monday, November 12, at 11:00 A.M. The Federal Government has declared this date as the official day of celebration of the 2018 Veterans Day.
The ceremony will be held at the Florence-Lauderdale County Veterans Memorial at 301 Veterans Park Drive, north of Wilson Dam. All veterans, and their relatives, are especially invited to attend. The first 150 veterans to arrive at the Veterans Memorial will be given a keepsake Veterans lapel pin. Small American flags will be given to all attendees to wave during the ceremony in honor of our veterans. The ceremony will include a white dove release and an airplane flyover. Veterans are encouraged to show their pride in having served in our country’s armed forces by wearing their service caps. The local themes for this year’s Veterans Day ceremony are “I am a Veteran” and “Thank you for your service.” Our country owes those who have served, and those who are currently serving, a debt of gratitude. Our appreciation should be expressed often, especially on Veterans Day. Attendance at this program is one way to do that.
Attendees will be invited to tour the Veterans Museum and the outdoor displays of military equipment, monuments and historical markers listing names of local citizens killed in action.
Veterans Day began as a commemoration of the signing of the Armistice which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied Nations and Germany. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was observed for the first time, and President Wilson proclaimed the Day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service with gratitude for the Victory.” There were plans for parades, public meetings, and a brief suspension of business activities at 11 a.m. on that day.
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.
An Act was approved on May 13, 1938, which made November 11 in each year a legal holiday known as Armistice Day to honor veterans of World War I.
In 1954, the 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, whenever and wherever they have served.
Media Release/Martha Jo Murphy/Administrative Assistant to the Mayor/City of Florence
