Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, the day when the fighting stopped during World War I. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. A Congressional Act in 1938 made the 11th of November a legal holiday. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” in 1954, and Nov. 11 became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
Learn more about Veterans Day history at: https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.
VA hospitals across America will be celebrating the holiday with a wide variety of events and ceremonies. Here are just a few:
Reverse parade in Beckley, West Virginia
In Beckley, West Virginia, they are holding a “reverse parade.” From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public is invited to drive by their floats and displays at a small regional airport.
70th year video tribute in Shreveport, Louisiana
The Shreveport VA will have presentation of the colors, Patriot Guard Riders, a flag folding demonstration, a historical 70-year video tribute and a cake cutting ceremony.
Here’s the poster announcing the activities at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport. Note the “Virtually on Facebook” invitation.
Philadelphia Eagles NFL players will visit patients with the help of robots.
NFL players visit on robots in Philadelphia
Members of the Philadelphia Eagles pro football team will visit hospitalized Veterans at the Philadelphia VA hospital in a most unique way: Two roving robots topped with iPad computers will bring the images of the players from room to room to talk with the Veterans.
What Veterans Day means to me videos – Reno
The VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System in Reno is collaborating with the cities of Reno and Sparks, the Nevada State Department of Veterans Services and other Veteran organizations. They are collecting one-minute video clips of key individuals saying what Veterans Day means to them. They will add these to entertainment and musical performances for a special Veterans Day video showcase.
Veteran-Employee choir in Dublin, Georgia
The Dublin, Georgia, VA will present a Virtual Ceremony including a speech by the medical center director, comments from the chaplain and a physically-distanced choir made up of employees and Veterans.
Drive by and gifts for Veterans in Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis VA will host a “Home of the Brave” drive by event. Gifts will be given to Veterans and the event will be posted on social media.
Flowers, gifts and videos in Birmingham, Alabama
As a Veterans Day tribute, the Birmingham VA Health Care System will produce photos to display in the facility along with and videos for social media distribution featuring employees who served in the Armed Forces. Earlier this week, flowers and gifts were delivered to in-patient Veterans by Mt. Zion Church, VFW Auxiliary of Alabama and the Lilly of the Cahaba VAR Chapter.
Stand Down by Salem VA Health Care System
The Salem VA held a Stand Down for Homeless Veterans at the Salem Civic Center on Nov. 9. A virtual Memorial Service will be hosted by VAMC Chaplains and a video message from the Executive Director and Chaplains will run on social media channels.
Hall of Heroes induction in Madison, Wisconsin
The Madison VA Hospital will live stream a Hall of Heroes induction on their facility Facebook page.
Find your local VA Veterans Day events here.
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Thank you Uncle Frank for your valor at Normandy when you were shot down in a glider on DDay
Thank you Uncle Joe for your bravery during the Aleutian Campaign and at Okinawa.
Thank you Dad while you were stationed at The Berlin Wall during your Service during the Korean War.
Thank you to my Brother in law Tom for your bravery in Vietnam before I Knew you.
Thank you to my Brother in Law Jack fir your service as well during Vietnam.
Thank you to my Brother In Law Michael for your service in the Air Force.
Thank you to my Nephew Jonathan and his wife Desiree for their present commitments . Jonathan I worry so much when you are sent to places like Afghanistan and Yeman.
I thank you all and all your comrades in arms who give me the opportunity to breathe the fresh air of Liberty.And I pray often fir all those who fell in combat giving me this day when they gave up their next day fir our freedom.
YOU ARE OUR HEROOO