Every year Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 and is more than just another day off from work. It was established to recognize the ultimate sacrifices made by American military members in the name of liberty and freedom. The day symbolizes the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marking the end of World War I and here in Windham, the public is invited to a special Veterans Day observance to remember those who have worn the uniform of the United States of America.
The event is part of the national Veterans Day celebration and holiday, which was originally known as “Armistice Day” to millions of Americans.
Paying tribute to military veterans was first launched on Nov. 11, 1919, one year after the end of World War I. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared “Armistice Day” to take place annually in America on the “11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour” to remember the end of what was known as “The Great War,” now called World War I. During his original proclamation, President Wilson was resolute about creating a day to honor America’s veterans.
“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,” Wilson wrote in his original declaration creating “Armistice Day.”
By June 1954, members of the U.S. Congress officially changed the name of “Armistice Day” to Veterans Day to honor those Americans who perished in World War II and Korea since “Armistice Day” had first been observed. Then in 1975, U.S. President Gerald Ford designated Nov. 11 as the permanent Veterans Day holiday because of its historical significance for the nation.
For this year’s observance in Windham, Jeff Cook, the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10643, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
“As a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, I still continue to serve for our local veterans,” Cook said. “Getting young people to research and learn about past wars, the service and sacrifices made hopefully could change a young person’s life to become an impact in their community or serve in the military.”
During the Veterans Day observance, the guest speaker will be Elizabeth Cormier, Vice Chair of the Maine Honor Fight Board of Directors, patriotic songs will be performed by the Windham Chamber Singers and Windham Boy Scout Troop 805 will assist with seating and the Presentation of the Colors.
Cook will announce the winners of this year’s VFW-sponsored essay competitions who will read their essays for the audience in attendance for the Veterans Day observance. The theme of this year’s Patriot’s Pen contest for students in grades 6 to 8 is ““How are you showing patriotism and support of our country?” and for the Voice of Democracy contest for students in grades 9 to 12 the audio-essay theme is also ““How are you showing patriotism and support of our country?”
Veterans Day is a federal holiday recognized each November to celebrate and honor all U.S. veterans, those who are deceased or living. No matter what day of the week, Veterans Day always falls on November 11 each year and is recognized as a federal holiday nationally.
As of 2025, more than 16.2 million veterans live in the United States and a total of 800,000 veterans of the Korean War are still alive as of mid-year. That group includes Windham American Legion Post 148 member Jerry Black, 97, who served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Johnston during the Korean War.
Over the years, Veterans Day has evolved into a day not just for remembering those who served in wartime but also for recognizing all veterans, including those who served in peacetime. It now serves as a time to reflect on veterans' contributions and ongoing challenges, such as health care and employment and the day has become a platform for honoring military service while also advocating for the needs of those who served.
This year’s Veterans Day event in Windham is free and open to the public at the Windham Veterans Center, 35 Veterans Memorial Drive in Windham. <
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