Veteran’s Day…… A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

Veterans Day is an official United States holiday which honors people who have served in armed service also known as veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the end of 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, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.)

Although originally scheduled for celebration on November 11 of every year, starting in 1971 in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October.   In 1978, it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11. Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Local Special Veteran’s Day Events: 

• Veteran’s Day @ The Dali:   On November 11^th at 11am the Dali Museum will honor veterans and express gratitude to our military at a ceremony in the Museum’s Avant-Gardens.  The Admiral Farragut Academy Exhibition Drill Team and Color Guard will open the ceremony.  Following the performance, Dali staff and volunteers will read a selection of wishes from the Dali Wish Tree.  The ceremony will conclude with an invitation to visitors to add their wish of thanks in honor of this special day.  The museum is located at One Dali Boulevard; telephone: 727/823-3767.  This program is free and open to the public.
• Bay Pines Medical Center:  10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, Bay Pines; 727/398-9531; 10am.  The program will feature speakers including Capt. Todd Sokalzuk, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Station, Clearwater and State Rep. Janet C. Long.

With more than 100,000 veterans residing in Pinellas County, the Pinellas County Office of Veteran Services is an important link in helping residents understand and obtain important government services. This program helps Pinellas County veterans and their families receive better access to services. There is no fee or cost for submitting an application for VA benefits. Services are also free of charge. You may access services if you are one of the following:     Veteran     Veteran’s dependent     Surviving spouse or child     Reservist or National Guard member     Active duty service member Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The St. Petersburg office is located at 647 1st Avenue, N. (St. Petersburg, 33701)  727/582-7828.