Veterans Day is an official Federal Holiday created to celebrate the service of all U.S. Military Veterans. Observed annually on November 11th, Veterans Day was originally recognized as Armistice Day from 1919 until 1954 when Congress officially changed the name.
After World War I was symbolically ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, November 11th was recognized as a day dedicated to world peace and dedicated to honor the veterans of WWI.
Now honoring all veterans of all service types, Veterans Day allows us to collectively thank those who have preserved America and her freedoms.
Our area is home to many Veterans and their families. Chris Kerby, served in the Army Infantry for a total of 11 years before being honorably discharged.
He chose to serve because “[m]y dad and Grandpa served, it was a way to follow their footsteps and see the world.” He views Veterans Day as a chance to honor the vets that came before him and when asked about being proud to serve, he responded “[It] makes me proud to have represented my country, and be able help people, everything about it really.”
His wife, Sabrina Kerby, was stationed with her husband stateside and overseas. When asked what Veterans Day means to her, she responded “Veterans day is a day to celebrate men and women who choose, or have chosen, to sacrifice SO much for their nation… a day to honor them publicly and out loud.
We like to make him something special for dinner or go out.” Veterans Day gives everyone an opportunity to slow down and think about people who have done things for them without ever meeting them.
The City of Charlotte will be holding a Salute to Veterans Parade on Saturday, November 5, 2016 starting at 11:00am on North Tryon Street and will parade for approximately one mile through Trade and Tryon.
Hosted by the Carolinas Freedom Foundation, the 2016 parade will showcase local middle and high school bands, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program units, active military units, antique cars and veteran organizations.
Veterans Day is designed for us to thank those who have served. Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard have all played an important part of defining who and what America is today.
It is important to recognize the individual servicemen and women who have dedicated some, or all, of their lives to our military. So, find a Veteran and thank them for their service.
And from all of us here at The Mint Hill Times: Thank You to all Veterans, and their families, for your dedication and service!
