In 1918, on the 11th hour, the 11th day, and the 11th month, an armistice was declared between the Allied countries of the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Japan and Italy and the Central Powers of the German army. This ceasefire marked the end of World War I, “the Great War”, “the war to end all wars” making the world safe for democracy. Not long after, war broke out in Europe. “World War II saw the greatest mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force in the nation’s history. More than sixteen million people died in this conflict plus nearly six million more in the Korean War. As a result Congress, in 1954, changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the City of Washington, D.C. The tomb is now a focal point for American soldiers. It is an emotional experience for all visitors to witness the changing of the guard with the background of the white marble tomb and the view of our nation’s capitol. The Korean war veterans are honored with a bench in Section 48 of the cemetery and the World War II veterans are honored among the many trees planted in Arlington. Thirty-six of the trees are dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients.
On Veterans Day November 11, 1978 the Vietnam Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated. The unknown soldier lay in state fourteen years. Efforts to identify all Vietnam veterans found the unknown soldier to be Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie who was shot down in 1972. Blassie was moved to Missouri where he was interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. On September 17, 1999 – National POW/MIA Recognition Day – the tomb was rededicated to honor all the U.S. Servicemen from the Vietnam War.
This Veterans Day we would like to recognize some fallen soldiers from the Highlands. The first area native killed in action was PFC Charles Andrew Kelly. Kelly was killed in action in Korea on July 28, 1950. Pvt. Henry Lee Lipes was also killed in Korea March 15, 1951. There were two soldiers killed in World War II. They were Cpt. Richard Brown who lost his life on January 1, 1945 in Begium and Cpl. James (Jimmie) M. Benson who lost his life April 3, 1945 in Germany. Lt. Gary L. Miller was killed February 16, 1969 in Vietnam. Miller was given America’s highest military award when he was the first area soldier to be enshrined in the Hall of Heroes.
Every year on the 11th hour, the 11th day, the 11th month, the Curtis A Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033 and Auxiliary honors all Alleghany Highands veterans with a wreath-laying ceremony at the courthouse followed by a moment of silence. Attendance is something you can do to recognize veterans and their families. Friday at 11:00 am.
You could also take your veteran for a meal and enjoy the specials being offered by our local
restaurants to veterans and their families.
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