Local Veterans Day Activites Honor Our Military

On November 11, America’s Veterans will be honored for their bravery and dedication to sacrifice.  According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “the original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.”  Even to this day, many organizations still carry on this tradition and are showing their appreciation by hosting Veteran’s Day programs to honor and educate communities on the importance of this special holiday.  For those looking to attend a Veteran’s Day Ceremony this year, the following localities will be hosting programs:

• Central Middle School in Charlotte Court House, Va. will be holding a breakfast for veterans beginning at 8:30 a.m. Veterans are invited to bring one guest.  A special ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m.  The Charlotte County Public Schools students, staff and faculty invite all to attend to honor our veterans.

• Fuqua School in Farmville, Va. will have a Veteran’s Day Service beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Gilmer Gym

• Hampden-Sydney College in Hamden-Sydney, Va. will present a Veteran’s Day Commemoration at the Memorial Gates on Sunday, November 9.

• VFW Post 7059 and Eagle Scout Candidate Andrew Murphy will present a Veterans Day Program and Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Crute Stage in Farmville, Va.  The service will begin at 11 a.m.

• Sailor’s Creek will present its annual Luminary Program in honor of those who have fought throughout history and for veterans among us today.  The event will he held at Custis Lee Trail from 6-9 p.m. on November, 8.

• Grace Community Church in Charlotte Court House, Va. will have a special Veterans Tribute & Banquet on Sunday, November 9 at 4:30 p.m. A special meal will be served after the tribute.  Please RSVP by Friday, November 7 by calling Sandy at 434-542-4425.

Additionally, many restaurants and businesses will offer special discounts and free meals to veterans of the armed forces.  However, proof of a military I.D. is usually required.  Call ahead to your favorite spot to find out if they will be participating this year.

Based on information received from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the 11th of November was approved to be a legal holiday that was originally known as “Armistice Day.” However, “after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word ‘Veterans.’ With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.”

This year, honor those who fought and served for America by attending a Veterans Day Program or simply saying “Thank You” to someone who has made the sacrifice.