Veterans Day is commemorated each year in the U.S. and has been for over a century. Its history is as interesting as the varying activities celebrated throughout many communities and counties around the country.
A history honoring those who serve
Veterans Day honors all American military veterans, living and dead, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Initially commenced following the end of World War I, it was first known as Armistice Day. The armistice went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
President Woodrow Wilson, in 1919, proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first Armistice Day to honor WWI soldiers and mark the cause of world peace. However, it was not until 1938 that Congress made it a legal federal holiday.
Later, following World War II and the Korean Conflict, millions more Americans had served in the military, making a WWI-specific holiday insufficient. Over the years, various veteran service organizations lobbied Congress and the 1938 act was amended. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in June 1954 changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor U.S. veterans of all wars or conflicts.
In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October, effective 1971, thereby creating three-day weekends associated with the celebrations.
The shift caused much confusion. Therefore, following pushback from states across the country, in 1975 President Gerald Ford signed a law in 1978 returning the official observance to November 11.
Activities by local organizations
Led by Franklin’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7339, numerous Veterans-focused organizations participate in different events throughout Macon County each year.
The VFW organizes the annual parade through the Town of Franklin and also hosts a lunch at their facility on West Palmer Street.
The parade leaves Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. and will proceed to the Gazebo for a ceremony. Special banners will announce each group of Veterans along the parade route according to the war or time period of service. The parade lineup begins at 10 a.m. for Veterans that wish to participate.
At 11 a.m., the Veterans Ceremony will feature a guest speaker along with a wreath laying ceremony and the playing of Taps. This year, Ron Norton, longtime master of ceremonies for the annual event, will speak on behalf of Post 7339.
The ceremony is solemn and moving, and the VFW asks everyone to come and participate in the commemoration. Entire families are welcome to attend and show appreciation for the men and women who have served our country. Attendees are encouraged to show their patriotic pride by dressing in red, white, and blue.
Uptown Gallery Veteran Portraits
The Art Council of Macon County’s ARTReach program is once again providing painted portraits for a select number of area Veterans. The number of those honored increased this year.
“In the past, only ten Veterans were chosen, but this year we increased the number to 12,” said Vice President Harietta “Hank” Shuler. “Veterans were chosen between April and June, and 12 separate artists agreed to paint a portrait of each one.”
On Nov. 2, a reveal of the portraits took place at the Uptown Gallery on Main Street. The Gallery will display the portraits until Nov. 11, then the portraits will be presented to the Veterans.
Additional support for the project was provided by Franklin Picture Framing, which framed the portraits, and Renee’s Cake Shoppe.
828 Vets and American Legion Activities
During the year, 828 Vets conducts a U.S. flag exchange on numerous occasions including Veterans Day. If someone turns in an old flag, 828 Vets gives them a new one. They will gather at Appalachian ACE Hardware on West Palmer St. from 8 a.m. until at least 10 a.m., or until flags run out. Received flags will subsequently be delivered to American Legion Post 108.
The Legion will then hold a flag retirement ceremony at some point to respectfully dispose of worn, faded, or otherwise unserviceable U.S. flags, through dignified burning.
Whether it’s Veterans Day or not, anyone wanting to dispose of an American flag can leave it at the Post located at 614 W. Main Street. Leave the flag in their container resembling a mail box (pictured below) and the Post will handle the rest.
828 Vets will also visit Franklin House during that day. The senior living community offers services to elderly and others requiring assistance with daily activities.
828 Vets regularly visits Franklin House every second Wednesday of each month. They also go to Eckerd Living Center in Highlands every fourth Wednesday. In each case, they arrive around 10 a.m. with donuts and coffee to share with residents and generally visit with them for an hour.
Both local American Legion Posts, 108 in Franklin, and 556 in Otto participate in the parade and are invited to the after-parade luncheon sponsored by and held at the VFW.
Additionally, Post 556 Commander Doreen Castle will speak at the Otto Community Center’s Potluck Dinner on Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m while Adjutant Jack Castle will speak at Victory Christian School Nov. 11.
Day of Giving
If you want to enjoy a meal out on Veterans Day and help a cause, both the Riverwalk Grille and Slanted Window are donating a portion of their sales to 828 Vets.
Chick-fil-A military date night
The Franklin Chick-fil-A will sponsor a “date night” for Veterans to honor those who served or are serving in the military. The event is scheduled for Nov. 17 and will consist of two seatings: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Each event has limited seating and can be reserved via the QR code below or at the Franklin Chick-fil-A restaurant.
