ARCDC Honors Our Veterans with Special Luncheon Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day that America has set aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is set aside to honor America's war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors all American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11th of each year is the day we ensure that veterans know how deeply we appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free. To commemorate the ending of the great war, World War I, an unknown soldier was buried in the highest place of honor in both England and France. These ceremonies took place on November 11 to celebrate the end of World War I's hostilities at 11:00 AM November 11, 1918. This day became known as internationally as Armistice Day. Through an act of Congress, in 1926 November 11 officially became known as Armistice Day. Twelve years later, through a similar act, Armistice Day became a national holiday. The entire world thought that World War I would be the "war to end all wars." Had this been true, the holiday might still be called Armistice Day today. That dream was shattered in 1939 when World War II broke out in Europe. More than 400,000 American service members died during the horrific war. In 1947, Raymond Weeks of Brimingham, Alabama organized a Veterans Day parade on November 11 to honor veterans for their loyalty and dedicated service. Shortly thereafter, congressman Edward H. Reese introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day and called upon all Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a presidential order directing the head of the Veterans Administration to form a Veterans Day committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. Congress passed legislation in 1968 to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, as it became apparent that November 11th was historically significant to many Americans, in 1978 Congress reversed itself and returned the holiday to its traditional day. So today, November 11, 2011, at this 11:00 hour, the faculty, staff, and students of Academic Recovery and Career Discovery Center pause to say thank you to the military men and women that work at our school. We appreciate your bravery and willingness to serve this country and make it a safer place for all citizens. Because of you and your numerous others, we can stand tall when we say we are proud to be Americans. Today we honor... Text researched and compiled by Kimberly Puckett (7th grade) and Destiney Smith (7th grade). |
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Academic Recovery & Career Discovery Center
Margaret A. Brown, Principal
Caddo Parish School District
401 North Holzman Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 222-5606