Remembering those who served

When the clock struck on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month of the year, the “War to End All Wars” ceased fire.
Although the Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I seven months later, November 11, 1918 became “Armistice Day.”
In November of that next year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the eleventh day as an official federal holiday.
 
The event was commemorated with President Wilson saying, “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.”
Later, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to change to the name of the holiday to “Veterans Day,” as it became about honoring all veterans who have served in the armed forces, and not just those who served in WWI.

Today, 95 years later, many veterans have been honored and remembered for their service.
Today, in Lexington, there are several events going on to celebrate the holiday.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is holding a World War I Memorial Service. The church will be open for prayer at 10:30 a.m. and there will be a moment of silence.
The Camp Nelson National Cemetery will have its annual Veterans Day ceremony to remember and honor all military members who have served or are currently serving. Lt. Col. Walter J. Leaumont, the deputy commander of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which begins at 11:11 a.m.
The Christ Church Cathedral is opening the church this evening at 7 p.m. for an evening prayer service.
Some places of business are closed today in observance of the holiday.
The Fayette County Health Department is open.
All state and federal government offices are closed, however the city offices are open.
Federal and circuit courts are closed. The district courts are open for bond and fine payments only.
Libraries are open, but the mail does not run today.
Lextran and trash collection are operating on their normal schedule.