Saturday, November 11th, is Veterans Day, a day set aside as both a state and federal holiday to honor those who have served or are serving in the American military.
The holiday was originally established to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the treaty with Germany that effectively ended World War One. The Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
In 1953 a Kansas shoe salesman named Al King lobbied Congress to expand the holiday to celebrate all veterans, not just those who had fought in World War One.
President Eisenhower signed the changes into law in May of 1954 and Congress replaced the word ‘Armistice’ with ‘Veterans’ later that same year. Since then the holiday has been known simply as Veterans Day.
Here in Susanville we will celebrate Veterans Day with a parade on Main Street and a presentation at the Memorial Hall across from Lassen High.
The parade forms up at the National Guard Armory on Russell Avenue at 10:30 and will proceed up Main Street beginning at 11:00.
Once at the Veterans Memorial Hall there will be a brief program including a welcome from VFW Post Commander James Dandois, special guests and proclamation read by County Supervisor Jeff Hemphill and Susanville Mayor Kathie Garnier.
There will be a free lunch downstairs at the Veteran’s Hall and the canteen and bar will be open for refreshments.
