Veterans Day celebrates 70th anniversary

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the official establishment of a day marked to celebrate our nations veterans.

Although initially established as Armistice Day in 1919 by then President Woodrow Wilson, to celebrate the end of World War I, it wasn’t until 1954 when congress passed a bill signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of all wars.

As of 2023, there were an estimated 17.9 million veterans in the Untied States which reflects approximately 6.8 percent of the population.

There are many celebrations taking place around the nation today, however; in the tri-county area the Sharp County Veterans Service Organization will host two services the first of which will take place at the Highland High School gymnasium beginning at 9 a.m.and the second at the American Veteran’s Memorial in Ash Flat at 11 a.m.

“I hope everyone will come out and enjoy the American Veterans Memorial in Ash Flat. Representive Trey Steimel will be our speaker this year,” Col. Richard Sackett said.

For those who are unable to attend the service, it will be broadcast by Hometown Radio on KSAR 92.3.
The City of Hardy will hold a Veterans Day Parade today at 3 p.m. with lineup for the parade at 2:45 p.m. at City Hall. A reception will follow the parade at the Hardy Gym.

The Salem VFW Post #9777 will have a walk around the court square parade at 11 a.m. at the Salem square followed by a lunch to follow at the post home off Highway 395 north.

In Izard County, American Legion post #344 of Horseshoe Bend will hold a ceremony at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park in Horseshoe Bend. The ICC school choir will perform.

A Veterans Day service will also be held at the ICC High School at Brockwell at 8:30 a.m.