11/12/13 November 11, or what is now known to be Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day – the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. The legislation was passed in 1938 and “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day,’ a holiday to honor World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
A ceremony is held annually in Marshall County on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. This year proved to be like so many other…cold and windy but those who understand the importance of honoring our veterans line Jefferson and Center Streets at the Court House Square to hear the message each year of those men and women who sacrificed for their country.
This year was no different, although a female soldier was the guest speaker. Pam Schweizer-Betz who servers the veterans of Marshall County by being the full-time Veterans Service Officer was honored to be asked to speak to those gathered. She was a combat medic in the Army. Her brief comments to the hundreds gathered included, “We are here to honor service members and the sacrifices’ they made.” Betz noted that the United States has the “most respected armed services in the world,” and said it’s made up of “ordinary people who respond in extraordinary situations.” Pam said gathering on Veterans Day is “one small way to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” and closed her comments by saying, “We honor them all!”
Members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans join forces each year to create an Honor Guard that provides a 21 gun salute and taps after veterans lay wreaths at the county’s monument.
