The armistice ending World War I or the Great War went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. November 11 used to be known as Armistice Day, but now it is known as Veterans Day — a day to honor America’s veterans.
It was President Woodrow Wilson who declared the day as Armistice Day in 1919, and soldiers of the war were celebrated. Those who had survived marched in hometown parades and were honored with speeches by local dignitaries.
In 1938, a Congressional Act made Armistice Day a legal holiday, and in 1954, after the Second World War and the Korean War, the day was renamed Veterans Day in honor of those who served. In 1971, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October and then finally, in 1978, the day was moved back to the original Nov. 11th date.
Celebrations honoring veterans take place in East Grays Harbor County on Thursday, Nov. 10 and on Friday, Nov. 11.
On Friday, Elma VFW Bill Mann Post 1948 and Auxiliary invites all to share in a time to celebrate veterans.
The Elma Veterans Day celebration begins at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 with a memorial ceremony at the Elma Veteran’s Memorial park, located on Main Street (east side of the viaduct).
Later, the Grand Parade starts at 1 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Elma. Covered seating and an announcer, located at the Elma Visitors Station (Third and Main streets), will announce entries as they come through the parade.
Three prizes for parade entries are being offered: Most Patriotic $100; Judges Choice $50; and Most Creative $25.
A Veterans Day luncheon, hosted by VFW Post 1948 and Auxiliary, will be provided the Elma Grange (Fourth and Waldrip streets). Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is free for all parade participants. Others pay a $5 donation. The Veterans Honor Quilts will be on display at the Grange as well.
Elma Elementary School’s assembly will be at 9 a.m. on the 10th, and Elma High School’s Veterans Day assembly will be held at 10:30 a.m., also on Thursday, Nov. 10. Guests are invited to park in the reserved area at the west staff parking area at the high school.
The Montesano VFW Post 2455 will hold a Veterans Day service at 11 a.m. at Fleet Park. In case of rain, the service will be held at the Post, located at 315 S. Main Street. A potluck will follow at the VFW post. All ages are welcome.
Montesano High School will hold its annual Veterans Day assembly at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. The assembly will be preceded by breakfast for veterans beginning at 8:30 a.m. All veterans are welcome.
