Memorial Day will be observed at Isidro Baca Memorial Park in Socorro,
John Larson | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Veterans Day is next Thursday, Nov. 11, a day Americans reserve to pay tribute to all who have served their country in times of war. In Socorro, the Veterans Day observance will be held at Isidro Baca Park, between the courthouse and the plaza. The City of Socorro and the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans host the event, which begins at 11 a.m.

This year the ceremony will feature remarks given by local dignitaries to honor military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. The guest speaker is U.S. Army Brig. General Eric D. Little, White Sands Missile Range Commanding General. Gen. Little assumed command of WSMR in May.

Veterans Day was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans, but 16 years later the name was changed.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans’ service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

DAV member Peter Romero said unfortunately the usual burger and brat lunch after the ceremony will not be held.

The Civil Air Patrol and the DAV color guard with bagpipers will participate in the ceremony.

 

 

John Larson, El Defensor Chieftain