Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglas, Publisher

Minnewaska Area Schools will conduct its 19th Annual Veterans Day Appreciation program on Monday, November 11.  The program will commemorate veterans’ service and all area veterans are invited to attend the program and participate with fellow veterans from this area.

According to a letter from Minnewaska Area Schools Superintendent Chip Rankin, there will also be a special Veterans’ lunch, sponsored by Palmer Bus Service, that will be held promptly after the program at the MAHS cafeteria.  Spouses are welcome to attend as well.

“We have worked with local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars from Glenwood, Starbuck, Villard and Lowry in planning our program to make the event worthwhile for you and our students,” Rankin said in the letter.  “It is our goal for our students to understand the experiences of local veterans and the valuable contributions that make our way of life possible,” he added.

Elementary students will be joining again this year and the students are working on special performances to honor veterans.   “They have been working on some new songs, which I think you will enjoy,” Rankin said.  “All of our students are very proud to perform for you.”

Rankin pointed out that the west end of the main parking area will be reserved for veterans and asked those attending to enter through the District Office doors (Door #1) of the school building.  For those arriving before the program, a reception area will be set up in the Auditorium and students will be available to direct and escort veterans to designated areas.  Veterans will march in as a group at the beginning of the program, Rankin added.

Thank you to Supt. Rankin, MAS staff and students for once again carrying on the wonderful tradition of honoring our area veterans on this special day with this special program.

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Glacial Hills Elementary, along with the Starbuck VFW, will also honor veterans with a special Veterans Day Celebration at 1:45 pm at the Starbuck Community Center on Tuesday, November 12.

History of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.  The above information on Veterans Day came from the U.S. VA.gov. website.