Chapter 882 Celebrates Veterans Day

This year’s event paid extra attention to WWI and its veterans’ sacrifices in honor of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. The ceremony launched with the ringing of 21 bells, an honor guard and a performance of TheStar-Spangled Banner and My Country, ‘Tis of Thee from a local school choir.

Department of Michigan VFW Auxiliary representative and VVA associate member Jane Dady shared a short history of WWI. “At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, on the 11th month, 1918, the war to end all wars ends. At 5 a.m., Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies,” she said. “There was no GI Bill, financial or educational benefits for our veterans. The lack of that became a political issue with the VFW and the new American Legion.”

“On this 100th anniversary of the end of the war, in a year crowded with official ceremonies, everyone in this country needs to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Veterans Day,” she added.