The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an Armistice was signed ending hostilities of World War I, The Great War, the war to end all wars, in which 16 million combatants and civilians lost their lives.
Some 70 million military personnel participated in one of the greatest wars known to man.
The Treaty of Versailles with Germany was signed on 28 June, 1919; The U.S. Senate did not ratify the treaty.
A formal ending of the United States participation in the war was not signed until July 2, 1921, by President Warren G. Harding.
"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." (President Woodrow Wilson proclaiming the first Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919).
Even though The U.S. would not end their involvement until Warren G. Harding's presidency.
Often Veterans Day is confused with Memorial Day. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, whereas Memorial Day celebrates all those who died while serving in the Armed Forces of the U.S.
World War II veteran Raymond Weeks, of Birmingham, Ala., who is known as The Father of Veterans Day, led the first national celebration in 1947.
Armistice Day had been celebrated for those that had died during World War I, but Weeks wanted a celebration that included all veterans.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan awarded Weeks the Presidential Citizen Medal. Weeks led the Veterans Day celebration in Birmingham until his death in 1985.
On June 1, 1954, Congress amended the act,and it has been known as Veterans Day since.
Salute.
Robert Valencia is a retired Army Sergeant First Class, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He can be reached at 560-1891. Listen to Veterans Forum the last Friday of the month at 8:30am on KSJD Radio FM 90.5/91.5.
Veterans Day events
Breakfast: At 7 a.m., a tribute to veterans and breakfast will be held at the American Legion, Ute Mountain Post 75 in Cortez. Questions about American Legion functions can be directed to post commander Marvin Hermanns at 970-739-4537.
Dolores: At 9 a.m. the Dolores High School will perform its sixth Annual Veterans Day program at the Dolores Auxiliary Gym, 100 N. Sixth St., Dolores. All veterans are encouraged to arrive by 8 a.m. to register in the Dolores Band Hall. Veterans will be formally escorted into the program. Information contact Beverly Hall at 970-882-7288 ext. 2310.
Lunch: The Elks Club of Cortez, 2100 N. Dolores Road, will hold its annual veterans lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. All veterans, active-duty personnel and spouse are invited to attend. Information: Dennis Wojciechowski at 970-882-2614.
Parade: The Annual Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the American Legion post will start at 1 p.m. The parade route will travel east along Montezuma Avenue to Harrison Street and end at the American Legion Post. Line up at the county annex parking lot on the west end of Montezuma Avenue. Information: commander Marvin Hermanns. After the parade, the Mesa Elementary Howlers will perform a tribute to veterans at the American Legion Post. The public is invited to attend.
Dedication: At 2 p.m., dedication ceremonies will be held by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44, Cortez, for the opening of the Veterans Outreach Center, on the southwest corner of South Market and First Street. The Veterans Outreach Center will provide assistance for veterans and their families. Information: Darla Sanders at 970-560-2793.
Freedom Flower: The American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 will distribute its Freedom Flower leading up to Veterans Day. The donations from these Freedom Flowers are used by the American Legion to assist needy veterans and their families. The Montezuma County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5231 will distribute Buddy Poppies on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Market and Wal-mart. The donations from the Buddy Poppies are used to assist needy veterans and their families. The donations from these programs help veterans in our community. Please support this effort.
Marines birthday: Preceding Veterans Day on Nov. 10, is the Marine Corps Birthday. The U.S. Marines celebrate these two days together. To all the Marines, Happy Birthday. To all Veterans, Happy Veterans Day.
