DECATUR -- What does the expression "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" mean to most people in the United States? It is the time, date and month in 1918 when the armistice was signed ending "the war to end all wars," World War One. This date laid the foundation for our national observance of Veterans Day, a time to remember the countless military veterans whose sacrifices gave us the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted today.
The Decatur Veterans Committee, the city of Decatur and Decatur High School will host two programs during Veterans Day week. The first of which is the first annual Veterans Day parade from downtown Decatur to Veterans Park on Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. Lineup for the parade will start at 2:30 p.m. on the corner of Third and Main Streets near the Decatur Depot.
The Veterans Committee invites anyone who wishes to honor a military veteran (family member or friend) to enter a float, ride a vehicle or just walk. The parade will be led by several military vehicles in which veterans are welcome to ride.
After the parade, there will be a ceremony at Veterans Park featuring the Decatur and Gentry High School bands, Toby Conrad reciting Red Skeleton's famous "Pledge of Allegiance," Bethany Roberson presenting her research project on the origins of Veterans Day, and the posting of the colors by the Siloam Springs American Legion Post.
There will also be a patriotic bike decorating contest for kids this year. Winners will be announced during the evening program. Flags will be handed out to all spectators along the parade route.
Decatur High School will host the third annual Veterans Day assembly at Peterson Gym at 9:30 a.m. in Decatur on Nov. 10.
For more information, call 479-752-3912 or 479-752-3983
General News on 11/01/2017