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There will also be a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, with a gun salute at Veterans Park presented by the American Legion Post #228.

The programs are part of the city's tribute to our military men and women. Vice Commander Mary Legg of American Legion Post #228, stated that the purpose of the day is to honor all vets, and suggested: "A salute, a smile a thank you..."Legg said, reminding us that: "Freedom is not free."

Veterans Day is celebrated every Nov. 11 and is largely intended to thank living military veterans for their service to our country. Originally conceived as Armistice Day to honor those who fought during World War I, it has come to include all veterans for their contributions and underscores the fact that all who served have sacrificed and contributed to our security.

On Sunday we pay tribute to the men and women of our armed services as we have since 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed upon the first anniversary of Armistice Day:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. However, the fighting had ended months earlier with an armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Nov. 11 officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926.

In 1954 President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a 2minute period beginning at 11 a.m., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.