In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

Why?

The major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

Wilson wrote: “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…”

At the urging of major United States veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Today, American Legion Post 191 will guide Veterans Day community events beginning at the Webster City Middle School all purpose room.

The ceremony will begin at about 10:50 a.m.; the doors will open about 10:30 a.m.

The ceremony will end about 11:15 a.m.

From 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., veterans and their significant others can eat lunch at the Webster City High School. At 12:45 p.m., there will be a Veterans Day program sponsored by Webster City High School in the competition gym.

Plan to arrive by 12:30 p.m. Use the doors on the west side of the gym.

From 4:30 until 7 p.m. there will be a chili, corn bread, and dessert meal at the American Legion in downtown Webster City, 726 Second St.

Veterans eat free. Anyone can eat for a freewill donation.

If you have questions, contact Post Commander Rich Stroner at 641-780-2814.