World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside Versailles, France.
Fighting, however, ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week it falls. It’s a day to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
With Veterans Day falling on a Saturday this year, several Jackson County schools and organizations are having programs on the days before. They are open to the public.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925 honor guard will participate in a program at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown.
Emerson Elementary School in Seymour will have a program at 1 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Seymour.
On Friday, Medora FFA will host a free breakfast for veterans from 9 to 10 a.m. in the cafeteria at Medora Community Schools. Medora Cafe is providing the food, which will be served by FFA members. The kindergarten class also will sing songs during the event.
“All veterans are welcome as we show our appreciation for your service,” Principal Kara Hunt said.
From 9:15 to 9:40 a.m. Friday, Brownstown Central High School will have its annual Veterans Day student convocation in the auditorium. U.S. history teacher Brian Savilla is organizing the program, and he will continue his theme from last year of supporting charity organizations for helping veterans.
Seymour Intermediate School’s Veterans Day program will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the gymnasium. Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson will participate.
Trinity Lutheran High School in Seymour is honoring all who served at 10 a.m. Friday in the Bollinger Athletic Complex. It’s open to veterans and their family members and friends. The keynote speaker will be veteran Orlando Munoz. A reception for veterans will follow the program.
The Crothersville History Club will present a program at 1:10 p.m. Friday at Crothersville Community Schools. The public is invited and should enter through the main entrance of the junior-senior high school.
Veterans will be honored by musical selections from the elementary and high school choirs, a flag folding ceremony by local Boy Scouts and a Veterans Day tribute by a student. Veterans who attend will be recognized and asked to introduce themselves and briefly tell about their service, and there will be door prizes for veterans.
Also, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1083 will announce the winner of the 2023-24 scholarship, and that person will read their essay.
Brownstown Elementary School students may invite veterans who are relatives to join them for lunch Friday at the school.
Margaret R. Brown Elementary School in Seymour and Seymour Middle School are having programs Friday, but they are not open to the public.
Brown Principal Tony Hack said space prevents the program from being open to the public, so only third grade families are invited to those students’ performance.
Then on Veterans Day, American Legion Post 89 in Seymour is offering a free early bird meal from 8 to 10 a.m. A ceremony, featuring Gary Dyer as the speaker, will start at 11:30 a.m., and a free lunch will follow the program and last until 1:30 p.m.
VFW Post 1083 in Crothersville will have free soup and sandwiches for veterans from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For nonveterans, the cost will be $8 per plate.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, VFW Post 1925 in Seymour will present a Veterans Day program at the veterans memorial at Gaiser Park in Seymour. Don Furlow will speak, Lisa Zike will sing and there will be a wreath-laying.