“…You’ve never lived until you’ve almost died, for those who fought for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know” — Anonymous Vietnam Veteran.
This week marked the national observance of Veterans Day, a day set aside to thank and honor those who have fought to protect our freedom. We honor those who served in the military in both wartime and peacetime. While Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, we should also remember those who lost their lives. Special thoughts should go to those families who lost a loved one whose remains never returned to American soil.
On November 11, 1918 the Germans signed the Armistice and an order was issued for all firing to cease, ending World War I. In 1938, Congress passed a bill that each Nov. 11 “shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and, for 16 years, the United States celebrated Armistice Day with ceremonies, parades and religious services.
Following World War II, leaders of veterans’ groups supported a change to make Nov. 11 a time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I. Act of Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day on May 24, 1954.
Veterans are an honored part of our community. They are our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. We should be grateful to veterans every day for protecting the freedom that we often take for granted.
** Celebrate the “Magic of the Season” at Voorhees Town Center as Acme Markets hosts Santa’s Arrival Parade and tree lighting. The event will be on Friday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Boulevard Plaza and will include live music, dancers, strolling characters and giveaways. There will also be photos with Santa inside the mall. For more information, visit www.voorheestowncenter.com.
**Due to the cleanup efforts from hurricane Sandy the first pass for leaf collection has been postponed one week. We will make every effort to keep to the schedule for the second round of leaf collection. As has been our practice we will attempt a third leaf collection of the Township if the weather allows.
