Veterans Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shandresha Mitchell
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  On Nov. 11, with close to 400,000 veterans located within 100 miles of MacDill, there is much to celebrate.

On the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th hour of 1918, World War I was formally declared over.

Across the globe, nations celebrated holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day to recognize the end of WWI and the people who served.

In 1919, former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov.11 as Armistice Day. In 1926, congress formally requested President Calvin Coolidge observe the holiday with appropriate ceremonies; and on Nov. 11, 1938, the first observance of the holiday took place.

The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954, making it an official holiday to recognize all living veterans.

Across the country, we pay tribute to those who have served and those currently serving. Each year, events, ceremonies and parades take place to celebrate veterans of the U.S. military.

MacDill honored Veterans Day with a ceremony consisting of U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Tim McGuire, U.S. Central Command deputy director operations, as a guest speaker, a flag fold and retreat.

"As a veteran serving in Tampa Bay, I cannot thank this great community enough for the tremendous support they provide us each day," commented Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander.

This day recognizes all U.S. veterans--past and present.

"For our veterans who still get chills when the national anthem plays or smile knowingly when [they] see a current service man or woman in uniform...thank you," exclaimed DeThomas. "Your service and sacrifices are what give us the right to serve today; and it is an honor to follow in your footsteps."