Flag-flying and Veterans Day have a long, rich history in the U.S.

The flowing of the American flag on Nov. 11, also known as Veterans Day, is reminiscent of the freedom of the American people, the ones who fought and served, the ones who are still serving, and the families that shed tears of happiness and sadness of having loved ones serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces.

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Charlie Coker, Thurman Parrish and Mike Bennett of American Legion Potter-Henry-Lowrey Post 72 carried on a tradition Monday morning by placing the crosses and flags on the front lawn of the Union County Courthouse.

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The following is a historical account of the founding of Veterans Day.

Nov. 11 was originally a United States legal holiday to honor Armistice Day, which was the end of World War I, which officially took place on Nov. 11, 1918. Armistice Day is now known as Veterans Day. Legislature passed in 1938 that decreed, “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’ This new legal holiday now honors World War I veterans.

At the urging of the veterans service organizations, the 83rd U. S. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” This legislation was approved on June 1, 1954 and November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

In order to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees, the Uniforms Holiday Bill was passed in 1968 and celebrated four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday of October. However, many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed, with much confusion, on October 25, 1971.

On September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11. This new law took effect in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11.

Here in New Albany it has become a tradition for members of The American Legion Potter-Henry-Lowrey Post 72 to place crosses with flags on the Union County Courthouse lawn.  In the early 1950’s the effort was led by Acy Davis and other World War II Veterans in performing this duty during Memorial Day week and also during the week of Veterans Day.  This was done to remember those who gave the supreme sacrifice of their lives for their country and in grateful appreciation to all those who have served in the military.

“During this week the area schools are going all out to honor Veterans with patriotic programs,” said American Legion member Mike  Bennett.  “I would like to encourage all Veterans to attend as many of these functions as possible.” 

Programs  in the area that will have Veterans Day programs include:

West Union Attendance Center Veterans Day Program, Nov. 10, 2010,  West Union School Gymnasium, 8 a.m.

Ingomar Attendance Center Veterans Day Program, Nov. 11, 2010, Ingomar Auditorium, 10 a.m.

Blue Star Marker Dedication, Nov. 11, 2010, Tallahatchie River Bridge in New Albany, 11 a.m. 

Hickory Flat Attendance Center Veterans Day Program, Nov. 11, 2010, Hickory Flat School New Gymnasium, 12 p.m.

East Union Attendance Center Veterans Day Program, Nov. 11, 2010, School Gymnasium, 12 p.m.

 New Albany Elementary School, Nov. 11, 2010, School Gymnasium, 1:30 p.m.