Veterans Day: A day of remembrance
Today, many military personnel and civilians will be honoring Veterans Day, an annual American Federal and State holiday. Celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, Veterans Day is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.
In Nov. 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. In 1938, the word “Armistice” was replaced by the word “Veterans.” After a legislation approval on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held today at Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery. A color guard made up of members from each of the military services helps honor America’s war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns inside the Memorial Amphitheater.
Many others will observe the military holiday by paying respect from parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and other tributes. Here are a few local examples.
Beach VFW holds ceremony
The Fort Myers Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10097 will be conducting a similar outdoors ceremony at 11 a.m. at their 17770 Pine Ridge Rd. location.
After the singing of the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, Benediction, prayer, an opening ceremony and a meaningful speech about Veterans Day, Beach VFW Commander Lew Tolleson said this year’s tribute to the troops will include a Passing of the Flag ritual.
“This ceremony started back many, many years ago,” said Tolleson. “We plan on passing the flag from a Vietnam War Veteran to a Desert Storm War Veteran to an Iraqi Freedom War Veteran. It’s a nice tribute to our Veterans. They deserve it.”
Florida State Parks honor Veterans with free park entrance
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks will waive day-use entrance fees for all visitors at Florida’s state parks on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day. The free day is in honor of veterans and active duty military personnel in all branches.
Lover’s Key State Park will be among the state parks paying tribute to Veterans Day.
“Providing free day-use entry to our state parks on Veterans Day is our way of saying “Thank You” to all the veterans, active duty personnel, their families, and all of the other businesses and individuals that support and appreciate our service men and women,” said Lover’s Key Manager Mike Hensley. “
For more information about Florida’s state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org. To follow Florida’s state parks on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/FLStateParks.
Southwest Florida Circle K stores honor Veterans
In remembrance and support of all the veterans who have served in the armed forces, participating Circle K stores in southwest Florida will be giving away a free 12-ounce coffee to every customer on Nov. 11.
On Veterans Day, ninety-eight Circle K stores in Southwest Florida will be participating in the promotion in the aid of recognizing the brave Americans who have served this country and protected our freedom.
“It’s a privilege to promote an event that brings the community together and says thanks to our veterans.” said Robert McNab, Regional Operations Director for the Southwest Florida division. “We wanted to honor and give back to those who have served us and our country. We’re very excited for it to be a successful recognition of retired and active servicemen and women.”
Operation Open Arms founder will speak at club
Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch, the founder of Operation Open Arms, will be speaking to a large contingent of Veterans at the Lexington Country Club in Fort Myers. The club is expected to make Bunch an honorary member.
OOA is a network of sponsors who extend free benefits in a wide range of categories to any U.S. serviceman or woman serving in a combat zone or foreign duty station on combat leave.
Bunch said there is new hope and optimism for OOA going forward.
“This is official. OOA has the marginal funding required to live past April 19, 2010,” said Bunch. “OOA is a Public Charity and so designated by the IRS in March 2009. All contributions are tax deductible.
“One example is Vic Sifert, a DAV officer from Cape Coral, who just donated $1,000 to OOA. Vic stands for everything Veterans Day is about. I firmly believe he sees the value in taking care of our Vets on combat leave.”
Bunch believes there are two choices people can make for Veterans: 1) To actually do something for Veterans and serve our Country again or for the first time; or 2) Slap a bumper sticker on your vehicle to make the Troops feel “warm and fuzzy if they happen to see it during their combat leave or return from combat.”
Other people who Bunch is thankful for on Veterans Day include Cape Coral’s Norm Meshaw, who volunteered to update the OOA Website and two individuals from Cape Coral have been voted into the OOA Hall of Fame for their extraordinary service to Veterans. They are Cherri Wood of Virtually Paradise for donating the OOA Web site and making all changes and updates for four-plus years and Capt. Hank, an OOA fishing guide who provided free Offshore Fishing Trips (45) plus sandwiches/chips/drinks/and some dinners at his home.
Yet another person Bunch mentioned was Col. Larry Ager (Chaplain Larry).
“He delivered one (heck) of a prayer at my intro to speak before the Cape Coral Chapter of MOAA,” said Bunch. “I asked Colonel Ager to become the OOA Chaplain. Semper Fi!”
Alliance Film Screening
Celebrate Veterans Day at Alliance Film Screening and Memorial Site Event
Walk alongside the relentless journey of contribution and honor. Commemorate Veterans Day by viewing a locally shot film on the making of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Southwest Florida, followed by a group walk and talk to the nearby site. Alliance for the Arts, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 594 and Carol Rosenberg host filmmaker Rusty Farst, as he presents “Return to Sending,” in the Foulds Theatre on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.
“”Return to Sender” offers a chance to follow the memorial’s construction, from conception to the reality,” said Farst. “See the commitment of those involved in making the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Southwest Florida through the eyes of the filmmaker. “Return to Sender” reveals a commitment to brotherhood, the painful reality of motherhood, and a deeper meaning to neighborhood. Witness the relentless tasks of building this special memorial.”
Immediately after the 26 minute film, the Alliance invites guests to take a walk to the nearby memorial with local veterans, friends and family. Discover that, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” VVA.
Join the Alliance for the Arts for this special tribute to Southwest Florida veterans. Contact Krista at (239) 939-2787 or exhibitions@artinlee.org. Suggested donation is $5.
Free Pet for a Veteran in November
Lee County Domestic Animal Services at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers is giving away adopted pets to any Veteran who wishes to take a dog or cat home this month.
According to Public Relations Manager Ria Brown, LCDAS will allow all active and retired military personnel to receive a free pet adoption during November in honor of Veterans Day.