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| PHOTO BY ED PIERCE |
Veterans Day gathering honors sacrifices of local military members
Moments after placing a commemorative wreath on a monument honoring the contributions of Windham and Raymond veterans, VFW Post 10643 Commander Willie Goodman, Jerry Black of the VFW and Bob Christie of American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 salute those who have served during a Veterans Day observance at the Windham Veterans Center on Wednesday.
In November 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words" To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations..."
The original concept of the observance was for a day celebrated with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month every year.
In 1938, Armistice Day was recognized by Congress as a national holiday and in 1954, Armistice Day officially became Veterans Day to honor the veterans of all wars and military service.
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