OXFORD — It’s the Anderson-Staples Post No. 112 of Oxford’s turn this year to plan the event for Veterans Day.
The national holiday was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that day as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.
On June 4, 1926 the United States Congress passed a joint resolution that the President issue a proclamation each year that the flag of the United States be flown on all government buildings on Nov. 11 each year and inviting the people of the United States observe that day with appropriate ceremonies.
On May 13, 1938 Congress passed an act that made Nov. 11 a legal holiday to be known as Armistice Day. In 1954 it passed a public law removing the word “Armistice” and replacing it with the word “Veterans” and the day became a day to honor all veterans. In 1971 the holiday was changed to a Monday so that federal employees got have a three day weekend. Many states and most veterans organizations and the American people overwhelmingly wanted the Nov. 11 holiday restored so Congress passed a public law changing Veterans Day back to that date.
This year the Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, in the gym starting at 11 a.m., the 11th hour of the 11th day.
Organizer Robert Lavertu, past commander of Post 112, has been arranging for the 45-minute program. “For anyone who ever had a father, mother, grandfather, grandmother or great-grandfather, mother , aunt, uncle or other relative in any branch of the service, this is our humble attempt to thank them for their great efforts and many sacrifices to keep our country safe. We also honor the families and friends, supporters and all others who have helped in the actions over the last few years.”
The master of ceremony will be Past Commander Neil Bickford. Guest speaker Roger Jackson and keynote speaker State Sen. Jim Hamper will address the audience and it is hoped that all who can will attend this great national holiday ceremony. There will be a video presentation honoring someone well known for his efforts in honoring veterans.
The Ladies Auxiliary of Post 112 will serve coffee and doughnuts after the event and all are welcome to attend.
“Many of the younger people don’t actually know what this holiday is about,” Lavertu added. “They may know their father or grandfather was in the Army or Navy or Marines or flew a plane in the Air Force but they really have no understanding of what some of these brave men and women did. Nine-year-olds may only know their grandfather limps. They may not know the cause but Nov. 11 is day everyone should be thanked for their service.”
According to Lavertu, the local posts in this area raise and spend thousands of dollars and hours in the community to help not only veterans but youths through their activities. Few know the American Legion was the first primary sponsor of the Special Olympics years ago, nor do they realize the American Legion offers a public speaking event which allows students to compete for scholarship money. Boy’s State, Girl’s State, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, baseball and softball are also supported.
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