Monday, 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.
Participants will line up at the armory on Russell Avenue and up Fair Drive, starting at 10:15 and will proceed up Main Street beginning at 11:00a.m.
The parade, led by the Thomas Tucker American Legion Post 204 honor guard, will conclude at the Veterans Hall with a ceremony immediately following.
Lunch will be served downstairs following the ceremony.
