On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the anniversary of the armistice should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving. The Congress also requested that the president should “issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”
An Act was approved on May 13, 1938, which made November 11 in each year a legal holiday, known as Armistice Day. This day was originally intended to honor veterans of World War I. A few years later, World War II required the largest mobilization of service men in the history of the United States and the American forces fought in Korea. In 1954, the veterans service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans”. Congress approved this change and on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor ALL American veterans, WHERE EVER and WHENEVER they had served.
What is UMass Lowell Doing?
Veterans’ Day Celebration & Flag Raising
Thursday, November 8th 11:30am to 12:30pm
UMass Lowell’s Office of Veteran Services and the Student Veterans Organization will be acknowledging our Student Veterans, Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees, and local Veterans and honoring their service to our country. Chancellor Meehan, will be speaking. Join us for UMass Lowell’s first F-15 Flyover at 11:30 a.m. A reception will be held directly following the ceremony under the trees in front of Cumnock, inside Cumnock Hall in case of inclement weather.
Military Appreciation Night at Tsongas
Saturday, November 10th 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Hockey fans will support the troops as the UMass Lowell River Hawks and University of Maine Black Bears square off in Division I Hockey East play. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Germain, who recently returned from Afghanistan, will do a ceremonial puck drop. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive River Hawk dog tags, courtesy of Eastern Bank, which is also sponsoring this night out for military members stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford. Tickets for any military member with ID will be $5.
Then Monday the 12th NO SCHOOL guys!! Get enough rest, I sure need it.
<3 Giselle =)