Tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 11) our nation will recognize its veterans once more. Older Americans will recall when this day was called “Armistice Day,” when, on Nov. 11, 1918 at eleven o’clock a.m. (“the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”), a peace treaty was signed ending what was called the World War.

During the war of 1939-45, called World War II, the hostilities of 1914-1918 became known as World War I. In 1956, while Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, Armistice Day was  renamed Veterans Day, so that all who have served in our Armed Forces might be included. See more in column in Forest Lake Times by the Rev. John C. Blackford.

All across the United States Veterans Day will be observed this Wednesday. Various programs have been scheduled throughout Minnesota. Many communities pay tribute to veterans, like this Houston County Veterans Memorial in Caledonia. (Photo by Jill Hahn, Caledonia Argus)