East Texas prepares to honor veterans

On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the soldiers of World War I lay down their arms and hoped their long-fought battles would go down in the history books as "the war to end all wars."

A year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first Armistice Day to honor the heroism and sacrifice of America's soldiers. Originally, the celebration was observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

After thousands of fighting men and women died in World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming the holiday would become a remembrance of all wars and changed its name to Veterans Day.

On Tuesday, Americans will remember the men and women who have served in all of America's wars with special tributes to veterans and active personnel planned across the nation and in the Kilgore area. Among the local tributes next week:

— U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert will be the guest speaker for Maude Laird Middle School's Veterans Day program at 9:30 a.m. Monday (the day before Veterans Day).

MLMS Principal Jody Sanders invites the public, especially veterans, to attend. Dana Sneed, MLMS history teacher, asks veterans to arrive by 9 a.m. in order to be registered and divided into groups according to their branch of service.

The program will feature a slide show depicting family members of MLMS students and faculty who have served in the military. A bagpiper and a special colonial color guard will perform.

"The MLMS Student Council and the Jr. Historians work hard to put this presentation together, so come out and honor our nation's veterans," Sanders said.

— West Rusk CCISD invites veterans to attend a special program at 9 a.m. Tuesday at West Rusk High School's multipurpose building in New London. The program includes a guest speaker and music by students, followed by a reception to honor all veterans and active military personnel. For more information or to RSVP, call Principal Wes Wood at 903-895- 4503, ext. 121.

— American Legion Post 131, Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts 1183 and 4002 and Vietnam Veterans of America Longview Chapter 987 will hold a service at 11 a.m. Tuesday on the Gregg County Courthouse lawn.

— A service is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the U.S. Veterans Monument at Harris Street Park. John Edney, Veterans Monument director, invites all veterans, families and anyone wishing to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

— Members and friends of the Waves Ago Unit 61 of the Northeast Texas Women Veterans will have a Rose Petal Ceremony to honor female veterans at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the pier at Teague Park in Longview.

— Sabine ISD Bands will host the 12th annual Honor America Night celebration and fireworks show Tuesday night beginning at 7 at the football stadium in Liberty City. Prior to the extravaganza, the Band Boosters invite everyone to enjoy an All-American meal of hot dogs, apple pie and ice cream from 5 to 7 in the SHS cafeteria.

"Our bands will perform and we will have all of the veterans come onto the field for a special salute, followed by a big fireworks show," said Bobby Richardson, band director.

Tickets are $5, including the meal and the show, and can be purchased from any Sabine band student or at the door. If it rains, the program will be held on Thursday night, Nov. 13.