JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In 1927, the United States Congress passed a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation calling for the display of the Flag of the United States of America on all government buildings at the 11th Hour, of the 11th Day, of the 11th Month, and inviting all citizens to reverently observe that time in schools, businesses and churches. At the appointed hour all traffic stopped, volleys were fired and “Taps” sounded in tribute to our WWI military dead.
However, it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill mandating that each November 11 “. . . shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace . . . hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” By Act of Congress in May of 1954, the name of the commemoration was changed to Veterans’ Day. President Eisenhower explained that the name change was in order to honor the service men and women of all America’s wars.
This year on Veteran’s Day, Missourians can honor fallen soldiers at numerous sites, such as the boyhood home of General of the Armies John J. Pershing, in Laclede; the hometown of Five-Star General Omar N. Bradley, in Moberly; the national Military Heritage Museum, in St. Joseph; the Soldiers Memorial and Military Museum, in St. Louis; and the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City.
Ceremonies and parades are held at many locations throughout our state on November 11: The United States Air Force Band is in concert on the Town Square of Branson Landing, Branson; the city of Jackson holds its annual Veterans Day Parade. To find details about these events, and the sites listed above, visit Missouri’s official tourism Web site: www.VisitMO.com.
Learn more about Missouri destinations by viewing www.VisitMO.com. On the home page you can order your free copy of the Official Missouri Vacation Planner magazine, or order by phone at 800-519-4800.
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