By Staff
All veterans deserve proper recognition
Freedom is a precious thing granted to all citizens of the United States of America by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We owe the continuation of these rights and privileges to the Veterans, living and dead, of the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day, originally named Armistice Day has its basis in World War I. On Nov. 11, 1918 at 5 a.m., Germany signed the Armistice to end the Great War. At 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour the war was over.
War dead for the United States was 114,000 and 205,000 wounded. Our nation would feel safe for another 23 years.
Lt. Colonel John McCrae, MD of the Canadian Army wrote In Flounders Fields as a lasting legacy of the terrible battle in YPRES in 1915.
In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League began the first nation-wide sale of poppies to benefit children in the devastated areas of France and Belgium.
On June 1, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law the changing of Armistice Day to Veterans Day to include all Veterans of World War II and Korea.
The Ladies Auxiliary of The American Legion is asking for donations for the poppies to honor our military personnel on and off the battlefield. Place a poppy on your shoulder that says, "I salute each and every Veteran who has helped keep our nation free."
Carolyn Settle
Secretary, American Legion Auxiliary