“Veterans Day offers America an opportunity to honor veterans for their service and sacrifice,” said Iva Jo Hanslik, Big Spring VAMC community relations coordinator. “This year, Big Spring and the surrounding communities will host a special Community-wide Veterans Day Program Friday at 11 a.m. at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum on the Howard College campus.

“All veterans are invited and encouraged to attend the program, which is in their honor. Citizens in the community are also invited to join us as we share a moment of celebration, recognition and dedication to all veterans — past, present and future.”

Hanslik said several area school districts, along with local veterans groups and VA officials, will show their support of America’s fighting men and women during the program.

“This brief program serves as a solemn reminder of the price for the freedoms we enjoy each day,” said Hanslik. “The students from Goliad, as well as Coahoma and Forsan school districts, will participate in the program. Michael Bell, director of the Big Spring VA Medical Center, will serve as the keynote speaker, while Randy McKinney, a member of the local Vietnam Memorial Committee, will serve as master of ceremonies.

“The Goodfellow AFB Honor Guard will once again be a part of our program, posting the colors, providing the 21-gun salute and playing Taps. Big Spring Mayor Russ McEwen will also present a proclamation honoring all veterans.”

Hanslik said the program will be followed with a special “thank you” lunch.

“Immediately following the program, veterans and their families are invited to lunch in the coliseum’s East Room,” said Hanslik. “As a gesture of appreciation to all veterans, lunch is being provided by Fiberod of Big Spring.”

Veterans Day — formerly known as Armistice Day — officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans of all wars and conflicts.

In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.