Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on Nov. 11, 1918. Originally, it was a day that was to specifically honor WWI Veterans.
In 1954, after both WWII and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Finally on Sept. 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law that returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11.
At SMS we are grateful for all who have served, and understand that it is important to honor our Veterans. Since we will not be in school on November 11, SMS will have a Veteran's Day service at morning prayer on Wednesday, November 8 beginning at 8:00am in the Church. We will begin with prayer as we do every day, and Colors will be presented by the RULH MCJROTC Color Guard. SGTMAJ Otis Kokensparger will speak and Reverend Jim Settles will lead us in prayer. Mrs. Groh will also lead the SMS Choir in some patriotic songs.
All Veterans are welcome to come to this service. There will be a reception with light refreshments for the Veterans following the service in the Parish Hall.
Special thanks to Harrison Pedigo, Harriett Groh, and Patty Dengler for working behind the scenes on this very important project, and of most of all thanks to all of our Veterans for all they do and have done to protect us!
