VETERANS DAY
First, please note the spelling. The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs determined there is no apostrophe in Veterans because the day is designated to honor all veterans, passed and currently serving. Armed Forces Day in May honors those currently serving, while Memorial Day honors those who have lost their lives in service of their country.
On November 11,1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to the country. He noted it was one year following the end of WW I. The president said, “To us in the United States, Armistice Day (the original day designated for the holiday), will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service”.
The name for the holiday was changed to Veterans Day on June 1,1954. It is also one of our holidays that while designated to be held on November 11. It is celebrated on the following Monday when the 11th falls on Saturday or Sunday.
There are 147 National Cemeteries across the United States and another twenty-one located around the world. Since the American Revolution more than one million three hundred thousand have died in service to the country. About 20% from the North and the South combined are related to the Civil War. Many others have and are serving with honor. We want to recognize all veterans.
Punchbowl National Cemetery in Honolulu
We have been asked how to mark our Rotary flags at “Half Staff”? They are fixed on the pole. A new custom has come about and that is to place a black ribbon or bow on the pole. However, since Veterans Day honors all veterans, living and deceased, flags are not flown half staff on veterans day. So, please do not place a ribbon on the staff.
The Lewisville Morning Rotary Club is honored to make United States flags available to help our community participate in remembering our freedoms made possible by all who have and are serving. Thank you for your support.
Prepared by member Frank Hebb.
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