Veterans Day, November 11, gives DeKalb County area residences and all Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. In the City of DeKalb, the American Legion Post 66 will Honor Veterans with a Ceremony at the Community Clock at the corner of 1st Street and Lincoln Hwy (ILL. #38). The program starts at 11:00 AM.
The guest speakers will DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith, a US Army Veteran and member of the DeKalb American Legion, and Illinois 70th District Representative Jeff Keicher. This event will feature an Honor Guard firing the traditional 3 volleys, guest speakers, and performance of TAPS.
Every year on November 11, Veterans, military members, and those who truly honor our US military gather to honor comrades that are still with us. While many people realize that Veterans Day is a day to honor our Veterans, few realize the historical significance behind the day.
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1919, President Wilson commemorated the first Armistice Day to acknowledge all the military that lost their lives in the first ‘Great World War’. The day was originally set aside to honor the Veterans of World War I with a day of parades, ceremonies, and remembrances as well as a pause in activities at 11:11 a.m. on the day. In 1938, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (President of the United States) made Armistice Day a legal federal holiday for all to acknowledge.
After World War II and during the Korean War (still active), Congress recognized a need to expand the meaning of the day to recognize all of our Veterans and not just those of World War I. In 1954, the word “Armistice” was replaced with “Veterans” as a way to formally include all Military Veterans of all American wars in this day of remembrance.
Veteran Service: DeKalb’s Memorial Clock – 11 AM – November 11
First Street and Lincoln Hwy – Hosted by the American Legion
10:55 AM Introduction & Welcome Guests
11:00 AM Opening Speech – DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith – “Veteran’s Day from the perceptive of a Veteran”
11:05 AM Special Speech – District 70 Rep. Jeff Keicher – “Veteran’s Day from the perceptive of a Community Family”
11:15 AM Introduction: DeKalb American Legion Honor Guard
11:16 AM Honor Guard Ceremony
11:17 AM TAPS by Michael Embrey (Buglers Hall of Fame)
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story