Mayor’s Message: Remember the history of Veterans Day
As the country prepares to honor Veterans next month, remember local ones with the Voorhees Veterans Wall of Honor
“Some people live an entire life and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran doesn’t have that problem.” Ronald Regan
Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank and honor those who have fought to protect our freedom. We honor those who served in the military in both wartime and peacetime. While Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, we should also remember those who lost their lives. Special thoughts should go to those families who lost a loved one whose remains never returned to American soil.
On Nov. 11, 1918 the Germans signed the Armistice and an order was issued for all firing to cease, ending World War I. In 1938, Congress passed a bill that each Nov. 11 “shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and… hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and, for 16 years, the United States celebrated Armistice Day with ceremonies, parades and religious services.
Following World War II, leaders of veterans’ groups supported a change to make Nov. 11 a time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I. The name was officially changed to Veterans Day by Act of Congress on May 24, 1954.
The Voorhees Veterans Wall of Honor is a lasting tribute to the local men and women who have proudly served our country. On Oct. 9, we added 16 names to the Wall, bringing the total number of veterans honored to 397.
Veterans are an honored part of our community. They are our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. We should be grateful to veterans every day for protecting the freedom that we often take for granted.
**The Voorhees Town Center Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting will be on Nov. 16 starting at 6:30 p.m. Theannual 36-foot holiday tree lighting will follow Santa’s arrival. Visit Santa from Nov. 17 through Christmas Eve, during Mall hours. Bring your pets and have their photos taken with Santa every Monday evening at 6 p.m. For more information visit www.voorheestowncenter.com.
**Learn watercolor painting with artist Ann May Kelly at the Voorhees Arts Center & Gallery located in the Voorhees Town Center. Classes are 11a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday through Nov. 9. The cost is $15 per class plus materials. For more information contact Marianne Leone at www.sustainablevoorhees.orgor call 609–315–6218.
