Please take time this Sunday to remember all our Veterans.  Their dedication and sacrifices preserve our freedom and allow us to live in the greatest nation in the world.  Join us at 11am on 11/11/12 to stop and remember all who served in our armed forces.  Read the history below to better understand why we celebrate at this time.     

Here is a brief history of Veterans Day:World War I ended with the signing of  the Armistice which was a temporary cessation of hostilities.  The Armistice was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.  The next year, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11th to remember our fallen soldiers who died in what was known then as "the great war."  The original concept of the celebration was to suspend business for a two minute period at 11am.  The day was also marked with parades and public meetings.  

In 1921, Congress passed legislation approving the establishment of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.  Every year on November 11th, there is a ceremony at the tomb to remember our fallen heroes.  

In 1938, Congress made the 11th of November (Armistice Day) a legal federal holiday.  Although the States retained the rights to establish their own holidays, every state agreed.  

In 1953, a shoe repairman from Kansas named Stephan Riod had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I.  He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day. The idea caught on and in 1954, President Eisenhower signed the law to change the name to Veterans Day.  

Although originally scheduled for celebration on November 11 of every year, starting in 1971 in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. In 1978, it was moved back to the original celebration on November 11.

Veterans Day is sometimes confused with Memorial Day.  Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American military personnel who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle.  Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans--living or dead--but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

Thank You Veterans and God Bless America!