(The Center Square) – Memorials and celebrations across the country will take place Tuesday in honor of the 72nd annual Veterans Day.
Veterans Day was established in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower. The date was previously known as Armistice Day, in recognition of the end of fighting in World War I.
“Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage and our freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” Eisenhower wrote in a proclamation.
Across the country, citizens will gather to commemorate the nation’s veterans and celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the holiday.
In the Washington, D.C., area, the Arlington National Cemetery will hold its 72nd annual National Veterans Day Observance. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as part of the observance.
The United States Army Band will also accompany the gathering at Arlington National Cemetery. President Donald Trump will deliver remarks at the ceremony.
In New York City, more than 20,000 service members will march down Fifth Avenue in honor of Veterans Day. New York’s Veterans Day parade has been in existence since 1919.
The New York City parade is hosted by the United War Veterans Council. This year, medal of honor recipient Clint Romesha, Marine veteran Stephen Peck and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will mark the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
Before the parade begins, a wreath-laying ceremony will occur in Madison Square Park.
“As we get ready to mark 250 years of Army, Marine Corps and Navy service, we are thrilled to have Clint, Stephen, and Suni lead this year’s Parade and join us for the nation’s largest commemoration of service in New York,” said Mark Otto, president of the United War Veterans Council.
The San Diego Veterans Day Parade will take place on Tuesday in downtown San Diego for thousands of residents and community members.
This year, the San Diego parade will specifically highlight the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Marching bands, military units and family members of those who served in the war will participate in the parade.
The USS Midway Museum, named in honor of the longest serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, will host the festivities.
In Texas, the Dallas Veterans Day parade will begin with the traditional 11th hour ceremony, in honor of World War I’s end. The parade will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War with a flyover.
Several local dignitaries and leaders will participate in the event, including Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
“This event is being planned as an educational and family oriented event to honor our nation’s veterans and military for their service and sacrifice for this great nation we all love,” the military order of world wars’ Dallas chapter said.
