News and Events
Calendar
Email Us
See Us On Flickr
Screen ReaderVeterans Day November 11
Veterans Day Ceremony at the State Capitol 2009
Old friends shook hands and hugged each other as they entered the Capitol Rotunda on Veterans Day. Exchanging old stories of military service and new stories of serving veterans today, everyone felt a since of camaraderie.
At 11:00 a.m., November 11 the traditional Veterans Day ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor all Veterans who have served our Nation and the entire Fort Hood community, who experienced a tragic shooting the week before.
Emcee Command Sergeant Major Deborah Collins with the Arkansas Army National Guard addressed the crowd by saying, “More than any other nation, we have stood up to defend the oppressed, to feed the hungry and to clothe the poor. We are a nation rich in values. When we see injustice, we act. Today you are surrounded by many of those who did just that.”
Governor Beebe, who once held the rank of Specialist 5, expressed a special thanks to those who served in Vietnam and did not receive quite the welcome that other Veterans have received upon their return. In his gratitude of today’s reception, “We have seen a spirit of patriotism across the country in recent years that causes everybody to stop and say thank you.” “Ingrained in the American spirit, deep within our veins, lies an understanding that freedom is not free.” “All of us are beneficiaries of someone else’s sacrifice.”
Governor's 2009 Veterans Day Proclamation
Governor's Office Veterans Day Photos
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ninety one years ago, on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 am 1918 (Paris time) the armistice (or truce) came into effect. The actual signing took place that day at 5 am between the allies and Germany ending WWI.
In 1938 Congress passed a bill that November 11 be known as Armistice Day.
The name was changed to Veterans Day by Act of Congress May 24, 1954 to honor all veterans.
For more on the history of the armistice and Veterans Day please visit the following sites:
Veterans Day at Patriotism.org
Veterans Affairs - History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day at Army.mil