Make plans now to observe Veterans Day
Although community celebrations of Halloween and the fall season have dominated the past month, with days full of tricks and sweet treats, carnival and haunted fun, an important observance is coming up in a week and a half that we want to make sure you won’t forget.
We’re giving you a little reminder – make plans to observe Veterans Day 2018.
Veterans Day falls Nov. 11 each year, and it is a time that has long been set aside to thank our heroes for their service and sacrifice. Franklin County boasts a strong commitment to patriotism, with a number of veterans in our midst, and this is a perfect time to rededicate ourselves to remembering the efforts that have been made throughout the centuries to achieve and maintain our American freedoms we hold dear.
Growing out of what was initially observed as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was formally established in 1954 following World War II.
Oct. 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” which stated in part: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
Let’s not forget the historic and patriotic significance of this one-day commemoration, “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” as its purpose is expressed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you’d like to celebrate with your community, consider attending the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Russellville at 2 p.m. Nov. 11. Schools, churches and other groups will also be hosting their own special observances.
To all veterans, we at the Franklin County Times salute and you and offer our gratitude. Thank you for our freedoms. To the families of veterans, we also share our appreciation: thank you for your service.
Historical information copied from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, www.va.gov.
