Several local opportunities to commemorate sacrifice of those in uniform
At one time, World War I was called “The Great War” and “The War to End All Wars.” The second World War may have altered forever our impression of the war of 1914-18, but the memory of the ending of hostilities lives on today in Veterans Day, when several public activities will recognize those who have participated in military service.
According to information provided by the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, World War I officially ended June 28, 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France.
But fighting ended with a cessation of hostilities, or armistice, between the Allies and Germany that became effective the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, or Nov. 11, 1918.
A year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, saying, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”The earliest celebrations marked the day with parades, public meeting and a pause of business at 11 a.m. Armistice Day became a legal holiday in 1938, and by then was used as way to honor veterans of World War I.
World War II called for America’s largest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and fliers. Subsequently, the United States sent forces into the Korean conflict. And Congress acknowledged that the holiday needed a new name.
In 1954, Congress amended the 1938 act creating the holiday, and renamed it Veterans Day, to extend the honor to Americans who are veterans of any conflict. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a proclamation later in 1954, saying “All veterans, all veterans’ organizations and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
In 1968, a new bill moved most federal holidays to Mondays, ensuring three-day weekends for government employees and to encourage others to spend the time on travel, recreation and cultural activities. States took their time to adjust to the new designated holidays, the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs statement said.
The first Veterans Day celebration on a Monday took place Oct. 25, 1971, but too many wanted the commemoration to recall the historic significance of the 11th hour, day and month. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a law that returned observance of Veterans Day to its original date, starting in 1978.
Benicia’s Veterans Appreciation Day celebration took place Sunday at City Park, with addresses by Mayor Elizabeth Patterson and others and food discounts for veterans, as well as shopping discounts at participating businesses.
Tuesday, Veterans Memorial Building, 1150 First St., will have “Hot Dog Tuesday,” with meals from 4-7 p.m.
Elsewhere in Solano County, Fairfield’s ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Fairfield Center for the Creative Arts, 1035 Texas St., with a concert by Alive Music Orchestra and the reading by Marine Sgt. Maj. Jess Branch of the names of Solano County residents who have died while serving in Iraq, Afghanistan as active military or in supportive services since Sept. 11, 2001.
Travis Air Force Base Commander Col. Dwight Sones is the keynote speaker and the Veterans Day parade grand marshal.
Vacaville downtown merchants are celebrating veterans at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Andrews Park at the Veterans Memorial near Davis and Main streets.
In addition, “Armistice Day to Veterans Day to Today” will take place Tuesday at the Golden Gate National Ceremony, 1300 Sneath Lane, also called Veterans Way, in San Bruno. That event starts at 10:30 a.m., when Vice Admiral Charles Ray of the U.S. Coast Guard and Capt. John Quinlan of the San Mateo Sheriff’s Office will speak.
Music will be provided by Band of the West and other vocalists. Also participating are the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and the Blue Star families that will present a wreath.
Multiple restaurants are offering veterans free meals Tuesday, and California State Parks is giving veterans, active military personnel and those in the military reserves free admission Tuesday to state parks, which are celebrating their 150th anniversary.
Participating parks include the 133 that are accessible with the “Surf Explorer annual pass, plus eight State Vehicular Recreation Areas and the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.
The veterans, active duty and reserve military members must show a valid military identification for the free admission.
“This free day at state parks for veterans not only honors our armed forces for their service and sacrifice to our country,” said Lisa Mangat, acting state parks director, “it gives them the opportunity to visit these amazing and wonderful places, and enjoy the beauty and history of our state parks.”
Assembly Bill 150, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last year, authorizes the parks department to give military personnel and members of the National Guard from any state a reduced or free day of use at state parks.
DDL says
I would like to extent a well deserved note of appreciation to all Veterans including: Mr. Page, Mr. Bray, RKJ, Emerson, Floren, Matt and Jim.
Thanks for your service!