Veterans’ Day is not just a day off from school, it’s the day that citizens honor those who served in the military protecting and preserving our way of life.
Veterans Day 2019 was observed on November 11 at Clermont Waterfront Park. The tribute to Veterans was hosted by Tomoka Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sgt. I. W. Hatcher Jr. Detachment 1120, Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5277, and the City of Clermont.
A large audience proudly watched as members of the community sang, spoke and saluted our veterans.
Armistice Day was first celebrated in 1921, the anniversary of the end of World War 1. On November 11 at 11:11, 1921, the U.S. France and England each buried an unknown soldier in honor of those who died in World War I. This began the annual Armistice Day holiday. The time and day were picked because fighting ceased in WWI in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11. Traditionally, work stops on this day and time each year for a moment of silence to honor US veterans and victims of all wars.
In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans’ Day, in honor of those who served and died from all wars.
Support Our Veterans – Some veterans have difficulty readjusting to civilian life after serving in the military. They need the support and understanding of the community. Learn about the challenges facing our veterans, the bills in congress that can positively affect their lives, and the things we can do to show, “We Care”.
Veterans Day Honoring All Who Served
South Lake County Veterans Day Tribute at Clermont Waterfront Park. Presented by Tomoka Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sgt. I. W. Hatcher Jr. Detachment 1120, Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5277, The City of Clermont, Fl
Posted by South Lake Tablet on Monday, November 11, 2019
I AM A VETERAN
by Andrea Christensen Brett
You may not know me the first time we meet
I’m just another you see on the street
But I am the reason you walk and breathe free
I am the reason for your liberty
I AM A VETERAN
I work in the local factory all day
I own the restaurant just down the way
I sell you insurance, I start your IV
I’ve got the best-looking grandkids you’ll ever see
I’m your grocer, your banker
Your child’s schoolteacher
I’m your plumber, your barber
Your family’s preacher
But there’s part of me you don’t know very well
Just listen a moment, I’ve a story to tell
I AM A VETERAN
I joined the service while still in my teens
I traded my prom dress for camouflage greens
I’m the first in my family to do something like this
I followed my father, like he followed his
Defying my fears and hiding my doubt
I married my sweetheart before I shipped out
I missed Christmas, then Easter
The birth of my son
But I knew I was doing what had to be done
I served on the battlefront, I served on the base
I bound up the wounded
And begged for God’s grace
I gave orders to fire, I followed commands
I marched into conflict in far distant lands
In the jungle, the desert, on mountains and shores
In bunkers, in tents, on dank earthen floors
While I fought on the ground, in the air, on the sea
My family and friends were home praying for me
For the land of the free and the home of the brave
I faced my demons in foxholes and caves
Then one dreaded day, without drummer or fife
I lost an arm, my buddy lost his life
I came home and moved on
But forever was changed
The perils of war in my memory remained
I don’t really say much, I don’t feel like I can
But I left home a child, and came home a man
There are thousands like me
Thousands more who are gone
But their legacy lives as time marches on
White crosses in rows
And names carved in queue
Remind us of what these brave souls had to do
I’m part of a fellowship, a strong mighty band
Of each man and each woman
Who has served this great land
And when Old Glory waves
I stand proud, I stand tall
I helped keep her flying over you, over all
I AM A VETERAN
