UNDATED (WHTC-AM/FM, Nov. 10, 2023) – It’s one of the few holidays that are celebrated throughout much of the world on this November 11th.
Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of hostilities for World War One in 1918, it has become Remembrance Day in the British Commonwealth and Veterans Day in the United States. It’s has also evolved from honoring the fallen to honoring all who have and who continue to serve in the armed forces.
Michael Mennes is the current Commander with the VFW Post 2144 in Holland.
Although Veterans Day itself won’t be until Saturday, three local schools held their annual assemblies honoring those who have and are serving their country on Friday.
At Holland High, keynote speaker Johnny Vega of Western Theological Seminary, an Army Veteran, urged the students attending in the Dutch Dome that they are the leaders of now … not just of tomorrow.
Holland Christian and West Ottawa highs also had Veterans Day assemblies on Friday morning.
Veterans Day has a special meaning for Bill Huizenga. The seven-term Republican Congressman from Zeeland is the grandson of a World War I veteran and a son of a World War II veteran.
Huizenga is slated to speak at the Fort Custer National Cemetery’s Veterans Day observance on Saturday morning.
