The Downtown Committee in Syracuse, New York has announced that a Veterans of Central NY Parade will be held on Saturday, November 7th. The parade will serve as a “tribute to all of our CNY veterans.”
According to the committee, the parade will lead veterans and others through the downtown area, beginning on Salina Street and ending at the Onondaga County War Memorial. Last year, about 45 local veteran organizations were represented in the parade, including representatives of American Legion posts, VFW posts, Army ROTC members and representatives from the VA Medical Center.
Several local marching bands also participated, alongside members of local Girl and Boy Scout troops. A Scottish Pipe Band and the Syracuse Brigadiers also marched.
One of the highlights of last year’s event was the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, which flew above the parade route. At the end of the route was the Syracuse University Marching Band – known as “The Pride of the Orange.” Over 200 talented musicians saluted the veterans present by performing a variety of patriotic songs.
November 11th is known as Veterans’ Day here in the United States. Since 1919, Americans have been celebrating our veterans and members of the military community. But do you know the history of Veterans’ Day?
On November 11, 1918 an armistice was signed that ended World War I, which many referred to as “the war to end all wars.” A year later, this date was designated as “Armistice Day,” in honor of the lives lost during WWI. Soldiers would march through the streets of their hometown, and politicians and vets would give speeches. It was not until 1938 that Armistice Day was officially recognized by the federal government – this was almost twenty years after the end of WWI!
A year later, World War II began. The United States continued to celebrate Armistice Day. In 1953, a small town in Kansas called Emporia began referring to November 11th as “Veterans’ Day” instead, and not long after Congress decided to officially change the name of the holiday.
On November 11th, it is typical for many Americans to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 AM, in honor of the thousands of lives lost since WWI ended on the eleventh day of the eleventh month so many years ago.
Many vets and their families visit various veteran memorials throughout the nation, as do many civilians who may never have served in war but wish to honor those who have fought to secure their freedom.
In Syracuse, NY, on November 7th, the people of Central NY will have the opportunity to salute the men and women who have proudly and bravely served in the military. The parade will begin at noon, rain or shine.
Like the folks in Syracuse, Americans across the nation will be honoring veterans during this weekend in November. For information about Veterans’ Day events in your area, please visit http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/.
