Very often when we think of Veterans, we think of our WWII veterans, and we are very thankful for their service to our country. However, sometimes we forget the definition of a veteran is everyone who has military service to our country both at war and in peacetime. A well-known Admiral and former Vietnam Prisoner of War always told his sailors during peacetime that if they were not there, we would be at war. In addition, we have been at war now for 3 years. Whether we agree with the war or not, we need to honor those who have gone to fight and are fighting. So on this Veterans Day, we have decided to honor all veterans and thank them for their service.
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans. In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day center on the Tomb of the Unknowns.
To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of "Taps."
The month of November is always a reminder of the tens of thousands of our Brothers and Sisters who served honorably and actively in the Armed Forces of the United States from our County. Today more than 25,000 Armed Forces Veterans now reside in Mahoning County. A large majority of these Veterans returned to civilian life becoming productive citizens and an asset to our county. Communities throughout our County hold ceremonies honoring Veterans during November. The two ceremonies which draw County wide participation are “The Laying of the Roses” and the “Veterans Day Observance” both events this year were Chaired by Nimrod Gusman one of our Veteran Service Commission Commissioners
For county veterans that have physical, mental or financial problems, there is the Veterans Service Commission. Our Commission provides: emergency financial assistance, help with filing claims with the State and Federal governments, provides transportation to the Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. For those veterans we can not assist we network with other agencies. Our staff in well trained, our Service Officers are accredited to present claims before the Veterans Administration. Any Veteran, or his dependents with a problem should contact the Veterans Service Commission for help (330-740-2451) War time veterans and their dependents now in Nursing Homes or an Assisted Living Facility should contact the Commission regarding possible benefits.
Here are some links to help our veterans today.
Veterans Today
National Symposium for the Needs of Young Vets, Hosted by AMVETS
HireVeterans.com