Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world. It is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.Around the country, Girl Scouts recognise Veterans Day in local parades and other community events. Below is a story on Girl Scout Juliana Frederick, who recently presented the efforts of her Gold Award project to residents of the Coatsville Veterans Home. Juliana created "Banners Of Love" to be distributed to each resident there - she will also be traveling to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Friday to present some banners. Her banners are a means of bringing cheer to Veterans by giving them a place to display cards, family photos and artwork sent to them. The inspiration for the project came from a need she was able to fill for her cousin who was wounded in Iraq 13 months ago. While visiting Walter Reed, she saw there was no place for his well wishes and family photos. Pennsylvania's ABC 6 News reports:
Some more great examples:
- In Tennessee, WBIR TV 10 reports that volunteers flooded the East Tennessee State Veterans' Cemetery in order to place flags at more than 5,000 grave sites. This year Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Young Marines were joined by a large number of volunteers. Everyone will gather again to remove the flags at 3pm on Friday afternoon.
- In Rutherford County, TX, The Daily News Journal reports that St. Rose School will rededicate its flagpole at this morning as part of its Veterans Day salute. All veterans are invited to attend the flag ceremony, which will include Girl Scout and Boy Scout Color Guards, music, a blessing and finally the raising of the American flag for the first time at this new location.
- Florida's Orlando Sentinel reports on a celebration at Veterans Park. Cadets from South Lake High School ROTC and its drill team will conduct opening ceremonies. Girl Scout troops will also be participating.
- In Cape Cod, Chatham Girl Scouts will participate in the town’s Veterans Day ceremony held at Veterans Circle. Also involved, a bagpiper, color guard, Boy Scouts and the Chatham High School band! Fun.
- In Greenport and Southold , NY, The North Fork Patch reports that Greenport Girl Scouts will host the service in the village at the flag post in Mitchell Park, and the Southold Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold the service in Southold at the American Legion Post 803 in Southold.
How do you honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces?