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On a warm November morning, Winchester residents came out to celebrate the town’s veterans during annual Veterans Day ceremonies.
A parade kicked off from Winchester High School around 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 11, ending near Town Hall, with speeches and music.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was officially enacted as a federal holiday in May 1938, although it had been officially recognized by Congress in June 1926 to honor the end of “The Great War” on Nov. 11, 1918.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
“Veterans Day continues to be observed on Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls,” states the website. “The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Winchester comes out to honor and celebrates its veterans on Veterans Day. WINCHESTER NEWS STAFF PHOTOS/JOYCE WESTNER
Over the years, the holiday morphed from celebrating the Armistice to making a change in 1954 to recognize all veterans following the Korean War. The holiday was officially known as Veterans Day.
In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Law was passed, ensuring a three-day holiday for federal employees and putting Veterans Day, along with Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day, on a Monday.
However, many states continued to celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11, despite the day of the week.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford finally put an end to the Veterans Day changes and officially returned the holiday to its original Nov. 11 date, beginning in 1978.
Ever since then, the holiday has been celebrated with parades, music and speeches by communities nationwide.
A Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery.
The ceremony commences precisely at 11 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by Veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries.
The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.
