GLADSTONE — Veterans Day is a time to thank those who have served in the U.S. Armed forces.

The origins of Veterans Day come from the end of World War I. On Nov. 11, 1918, an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Though the war wasn’t officially over until the Treaty of Versailles was signed seven months later, Nov. 11 is recognized as the end of the “war to end all Wars.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of what was then known as Armistice Day, saying “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”The day was originally celebrated with parades and a brief suspension of business at 11 a.m. Congress officially recognized the day with a resolution passed on June 4, 1926.Almost 30 years later, after U.S. soldiers had served in World War II and Korea, Congress voted to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in honor of all those who served in the military.

Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires

SAL membership eligibility includes all male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of the Armed Forces or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion. Although Sons has its own membership, the organization is not a separate entity. Rather, SAL is a program of the American Legion. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in SAL. The Sons organization is divided into detachments at the state level and squadrons at the local level. A squadron pairs with a local American Legion post; a squadron’s charter is contingent upon its parent post’s charter. However, squadrons can determine the extent of their services to the community, state and nation. They are permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet their needs, but must remember SAL’s mission: to strengthen the four pillars of The American Legion. Therefore, squadrons’ campaigns place an emphasis on preserving American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation’s children, caring for veterans and their families, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship. If you would like to Join the Sons of the American Legion stop b the Gladstone Post #71 at 802 Delta Ave in Gladstone to fill out an application.

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John Pickard is 5th Zone Commander Michigan Sons of the American Legion.