AMVETS LEADERS HONOR AMERICA’S HEROES ON VETERANS DAY WASHINGTON, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008—On Veterans Day, AMVETS joined our nation’s leaders at Arlington National Cemetery to honor America’s veterans. AMVETS National Commander John C. Hapner, Ladies Auxiliary President Charlene Kee, and Sons of AMVETS National Commander Ben Haines were on hand to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Sons of AMVETS National Commander Ben Haines (left), AMVETS National Commander John C. Hapner, and Ladies Auxiliary National President Charlene Kee prepare to lay a wreath Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

“Though Veterans Day is a time to celebrate all who have served, past and present, we must never forget our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation,” said Cmdr. Hapner. “This somber tribute is a vital reminder of the price of freedom and it is our duty to honor them.”

This year’s wreath-laying ceremony featured an address by Vice President Dick Cheney.

Veterans Day was first observed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 as “Armistice Day,” celebrating the signing of the armistice that ended World War I and honoring those who served in the conflict. President Dwight D. Eisenhower expanded Armistice Day to honor veterans of all conflicts, officially declaring the holiday as Veterans Day in 1954.

Every Veterans Day, AMVETS posts and departments each celebrate the holiday in their own way by hosting remembrance ceremonies, flag retirements, parades, and a variety of other events in communities all across the country.

For more on AMVETS’ Veterans Day celebrations look to Keeping Posted in the winter issue of American Veteran.

Media Contact:

National
Communications Director
Jay Agg
(301)-683-4035
jagg@amvets.org