Happy “Armistice Day”
At least, that’s how Veterans Day started. Hostilities in The Great War, which we now know as World War I, were officially concluded at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Three days of negotiations in northern France, initiated by German Army Chief of Staff Paul von Hindenburg, were concluded a day after the abdication of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Germans were thoroughly vanquished, at a cost of some 20 million lives, leading to acceptance of complete surrender terms with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. And yet, it would be only two decades before German efforts to dominate Europe had risen again.
Armistice Day was celebrated on its first anniversary, in 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson, and it was officially made a holiday in 1938. Fifteen years later, after German ambitions were put down again in World War II, at a cost of over 70 million lives, a Kansas shop owner thought to celebrate all veterans on Armistice Day. Within a year the idea had swept to the U.S. Congress, which in 1954 changed the name accordingly, and it has been Veterans Day ever since.
Memorial Day, celebrated each year on the last Monday in May, is the day for special remembrance of those many men and women who died while in military service to our country.
Traditional Veterans Day Observance
The 49th annual Veterans Day Observance, hosted by veterans groups of Sonoma Valley, will be held at the Sonoma Masonic Center, 669 Broadway (at Maple), with a special tribute to veterans of World War II who served under the command of General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, General of the Army and later of the Air Force.
At 10 a.m. there will be a dedication of the handmade flagpole from General Arnold’s family ranch in Sonoma Valley. During the traditional ceremony, which starts at 11 a.m., Bryan Aubin, Commander VFW Post 1943, and Gary Magnani, Commander of American Legion Post 489, will raise two of General Arnold’s five-star flags – one from the U.S. Army and one from the U.S. Air Force – on the newly dedicated flag pole.
Friends and family of veterans are welcome. Uniforms or appropriate attire are requested. Due to limited parking at the Sonoma Masonic Center, attendees are encouraged to park at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building at 126 First St. W. A free shuttle service will provide transportation between the Veterans Building and the Masonic Center. Shuttles will run every 10 minutes from 10 to 11 a.m. and from noon to 1 p.m.
Veterans Day party at Sonoma Hills
The Sonoma Hills Retirement Center will honor veterans with a Veterans Day party featuring the traditional Dixieland music of TRAD JASS, along with an exhibition of photographs by Tom Sanders of World War II veterans. Everyone is welcome to attend the 1:30-2:30 p.m. party. A special luncheon will also be held for Sonoma Hills resident vets. Sonoma Hills is at 405 W, MacArthur St.
Veterans Day at Vintage House
Vintage House will celebrate Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. with its sixth annual USO Party. The celebration offers great homemade food, entertainment by the Vintage Varieties, music for dancing, a sing-along and lots of fun. World War II costume dress is encouraged and folks of all ages are invited to attend this tribute to our veterans. There is no charge for this event. Vintage House is located at 264 First St. E.
Cal Italia honors veterans with a free dinner
In addition to its traditional Memorial Day Vet’s Dinner, Cal-Italia Restaurant is honoring veterans with a second free dinner on Veterans day, from 5 to 9 p.m. The restaurant is asking vets to bring a paying guest or two, if possible, but will also offer the free dinner to vets who are unaccompanied. Call 707.938.1449 to make a reservation.
Cal Italia is seeking support in raising $6,000 to purchase a Segway for a veteran who has lost his legs. They would appreciate any help they can get toward reaching that goal.
