“The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” Calvin Coolidge
Veterans Day is a day set aside 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.
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.
• Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting — Presented by Rettinger Fireplace Systems (www.rettingerfireplace.com) at the Voorhees Town Center on Friday, Nov. 18 starting at 6:30 p.m. The annual 36-foot holiday tree lighting will follow Santa’s arrival. Bring your pets and have their photos taken with Santa every Monday evening at 6 p.m. beginning Nov. 21 through Dec. 19. For more information visit www.voorheestowncenter.com/holiday2016.
