Veteran’s Day a time to honor our heroes

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Since 1954, Veteran's Day has been a time for honoring Americans, living and deceased, who served in the U.S. armed forces during wartime. Prior to that, November 11th was known as Armistice Day, observing the anniversary of the armistice signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month that ended fighting in World War I.

According to the 2000 Census, 13 percent of Americans are considered veterans. Almost one-third of the nation's veterans are 65 or older and six percent are women.

In honor of those who have sacrificed for our nation, Col. Stuart J. Shaw, 97th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, will place a wreath at the war memorial next to the museum at 11:00 a.m Nov. 11. Following the commemoration there will be a luncheon at the VFW on Veterans Drive where Col. Shaw will address the guests. According to VFW officials the meal is free and open to the public.

Also, members from several base agencies will speak to area schools. The theme of these speeches will be "What Veteran's Day Means."

Lisa Holland, 97th Public Affairs chief of civic outreach, said she was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming amount of interested speakers. Upon sending out a call for volunteers, she received several immediate responses from eager participants.

For more information on Veteran's Day activities, contact the VFW at 477-3345.