“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 decreeing 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. 21, we added 39 names to the Wall, bringing the total number of veterans honored to 436.
Veterans are a treasured 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 too often take for granted.
**The Voorhees Town Center Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on Friday, Nov. 15 starting at 6:30 p.m. The annual 36-foot holiday tree lighting will follow Santa’s arrival escorted by the Voorhees Township Police and Fire Departments. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with balloon artists, face painters, Holiday Hairspray by Cutting Crew, a presentation by Creative Motion, J-Dogs Food Truck and much more.
**Visit Santa at the Voorhees Town Center from Nov. 15 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.
** On Tuesday evenings through Dec. 17, the Voorhees Arts Center will be offering a free children’s art program for youth ages 8 and older. Children will experience many different opportunities to express themselves through art, including painting, sketching, photography and beading. Children can be dropped off after 6 p.m. and the program ends at 8:30 p.m. The programs are held at the Voorhees Arts Center located in the rear of the Food Court of the VTC Mall. These free programs are due to the generosity of the Fetbroyt Family and Columbia Bank. For more information,contact Marianne at (609) 315-6218.
