Veterans Day

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It started out as “Armistice Day,” celebrating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In England and former Commonwealth countries it is Remembrance Day, honoring the war dead. After WWII the U.S. dedicated Memorial day for that, in May. The November 11 holiday became Veterans Day, for honoring the living. It is the “Thank you for your service” day for recognizing those who have served in the Armed Forces. Toward that end, we have a special event right here in the neighborhood…

All veterans are invited!

Tuesday November 11 – Green Gables Elementary

… to thank you for your service.

All of our local veterans are invited to come at 8:20 a.m. for a ceremony to honor their service. There will be a flag ceremony and the students will sing. This will be a recognition of our family members and neighbors who have served the country in the military, and a civic education learning experience for the students. All veterans are invited, not just those with children or grandkids in the school.

Green Gables Elementary School is located at 8701 W. Woodard Drive, Lakewood.

A few years ago I was in London on November 11, not thinking of the date, when a strange thing happened. At 11:00 in the morning, without announcement or fanfare, people on the busy sidewalks stopped where they were, and stood in silence for about a minute. I learned later that in churches and public buildings there were memorial ceremonies, wreath laying, and salutes at military cemeteries.

Back to the “Thank you for your service” theme, it’s sometimes a little awkward knowing how to respond. It tends to go something like, “Um, thank you for thanking me?” I’ve settled on, “I’m glad I could.”

I am.