Shell Knob Memorial post to host Veterans Day celebration
October 30, 2019
Jeff Harp
You’ve heard reference to “the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month” back in history class. The term is associated with what is now known as Veterans Day. Originally, however, what we refer to as Veterans Day was for years known as Armistice Day. That was the name given to commemorate the temporary cessation of hostilities (armistice) between the Allied nations and Germany in what was commonly known as the “Great War” (World War I). One year later, then President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Of course, as it turns out, the “Great War” or “War to End All Wars” didn’t end wars and after World War II, where more than 16 million people served; and the Korean Conflict, with some 5.7 million more having served; Armistice Day was aptly renamed Veterans Day. In 1978, President Ford signed a new law which set aside the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th, except where it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively.
A common misunderstanding is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both days do honor veterans; however, Memorial Day specifically honors those veterans who’ve died in service to their country (especially those who’ve died in battle or as a result of their wounds received in battle); whereas Veterans Day is more inclusive as it is a holiday specifically to honor and thank all veterans, living or deceased, who’ve served their nation honorably, during times of conflict as well as during times of peace. In fact, the Veterans Administration specifies “Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty."
So on Veterans Day, throughout the nation, we take the time to remember our beloved veterans, those who’ve passed on and those who are still with us. We honor the memories of those who’ve predeceased us, but just as importantly, we thank all living veterans who’ve selflessly served their country. In Shell Knob, the VFW Post 2203 will begin that commemoration at the Veterans Memorial Garden just off Highway 39, adjacent to Fohn Funeral Home. It will occur on Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m. and lasts a little under an hour. Upon completion of the memorial portion of the service, those attendees are encouraged to gather at the Post 2203 Building, just north of town on Highway 39, for a delicious bar-b-que luncheon sponsored by Jim Fohn and Fohn Funeral Home. During this portion of the commemoration, certain members of the Shell Knob Memorial Post 2203 will be awarded quilts by the Shell Knob Discovery Quilt Guild.
Mark your calendars for this special occasion. Bring a friend, maybe even a veteran. It should mean a lot to all of us. It will especially mean a lot to a veteran.
Jeff Harp
You’ve heard reference to “the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month” back in history class. The term is associated with what is now known as Veterans Day. Originally, however, what we refer to as Veterans Day was for years known as Armistice Day. That was the name given to commemorate the temporary cessation of hostilities (armistice) between the Allied nations and Germany in what was commonly known as the “Great War” (World War I). One year later, then President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Of course, as it turns out, the “Great War” or “War to End All Wars” didn’t end wars and after World War II, where more than 16 million people served; and the Korean Conflict, with some 5.7 million more having served; Armistice Day was aptly renamed Veterans Day. In 1978, President Ford signed a new law which set aside the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th, except where it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively.
A common misunderstanding is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both days do honor veterans; however, Memorial Day specifically honors those veterans who’ve died in service to their country (especially those who’ve died in battle or as a result of their wounds received in battle); whereas Veterans Day is more inclusive as it is a holiday specifically to honor and thank all veterans, living or deceased, who’ve served their nation honorably, during times of conflict as well as during times of peace. In fact, the Veterans Administration specifies “Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty."
So on Veterans Day, throughout the nation, we take the time to remember our beloved veterans, those who’ve passed on and those who are still with us. We honor the memories of those who’ve predeceased us, but just as importantly, we thank all living veterans who’ve selflessly served their country. In Shell Knob, the VFW Post 2203 will begin that commemoration at the Veterans Memorial Garden just off Highway 39, adjacent to Fohn Funeral Home. It will occur on Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m. and lasts a little under an hour. Upon completion of the memorial portion of the service, those attendees are encouraged to gather at the Post 2203 Building, just north of town on Highway 39, for a delicious bar-b-que luncheon sponsored by Jim Fohn and Fohn Funeral Home. During this portion of the commemoration, certain members of the Shell Knob Memorial Post 2203 will be awarded quilts by the Shell Knob Discovery Quilt Guild.
Mark your calendars for this special occasion. Bring a friend, maybe even a veteran. It should mean a lot to all of us. It will especially mean a lot to a veteran.
