The year was 1919, and World War I had ended just a year before on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In the United States, Nov. 11, 1919, was celebrated as Armistice Day to mark the anniversary of the end of the war.
Five years later, Congress passed a resolution making Armistice Day an annual observance, and in 1938, it became a national holiday. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in 1954, making it a day to honor the service of all American veterans, living or dead.
Across the world, Great Britain, France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate veterans on or near Nov. 11. These observations are called Remembrance Day (Canada) or Remembrance Sunday (Great Britain).
Veterans Day isn’t until next Saturday, Nov. 11, but the festivities in Southern Maryland begin this weekend! Plan to honor those who served in the military at one of these Veterans Day events.
Salute to Veterans Parade
When: Sunday, Nov. 5, 1 p.m.
Where: Downtown La Plata
La Plata’s annual Salute to Veterans Parade begins at the Courthouse. Bring the kids for an old-fashioned hometown parade!
Veterans Day Parade
When: Saturday. Nov. 11, 10 a.m.
Where: Leonardtown Square
The annual parade features marching bands, military unites, bagpipers, dancers, horses, scouts, antique cars, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Veterans Day Ceremony and Open House
When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: American Legion Stallings Williams Post 206, 3330 Chesapeake Beach Road East in Chesapeake Beach
Honor Veterans Day at a ceremony at Veterans Park, which is at the intersection of Routes 260 and 261 in Chesapeake Beach. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Then, join the American Legion for an open house that is open to the public and members. For more information, call 410-257-9878 or visit http://www.alpost206.org/.
Get Info for Veterans at Calvert Library
When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: All Calvert Library branches
Get a sweet treat and information on local, regional, and national resources available to veterans. For more information, visit http://calvert.lib.md.us/.
Veterans Day Spaghetti Dinner in La Plata
When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Harry White Wilmer American Legion Post 82, 6330 N. Crain Highway in La Plata
Enjoy a spaghetti dinner and honor local veterans. The meal is free to veterans! Cost is $5 for all other attendees and free for children age 12 and younger.
Veterans Day Spaghetti Dinner in Port Tobacco
When: Saturday, Nov. 11, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Ironsides Volunteer Rescue Squad, 6120 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco
Veterans eat free at this celebratory spaghetti dinner. The menu includes spaghetti with or without meat, salad, bread, beverage, and dessert. Carry out is available. Cost is $10 for ages 13 and older; $7 for senior citizens and children age 4 to 12; and free for veterans and children 3 and younger. For more information, visit http://www.ironsidesrescue.com/.
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