This past Thursday we held a special Lunch on the Lawn in honor of the Veterans in our community, and this past Friday our school was closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. While a day off, after a long stretch of school, is very welcomed, it is important to understand why we observe this important day. This week we turn our focus on the history and meaning of Veteran’s Day in the United States.
The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans Day," which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide.
A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
So while we all happily accept a three day weekend every November, it is important that we all spend time in gratitude for all who have served to protect the values of this nation, as well as their loved ones. On behalf of the Joan MacQueen School community, we thank all Veterans for their service.
