November 11th has been a special day, for as long as I can remember. In Kansas City MO, where I spent the period November 1946 - August 1955, there was always a Veterans Day parade that culminated at The Liberty Memorial. I was privileged to march in many of those parades, starting at age 11, as a majorette. We froze our little legs off (although our uniforms were not nearly as skimpy as what performers routinely wear, these days), but it was for a good cause. In addition, we were sometimes privileged to perform at the American Legion, in celebration of our war veterans.
During my employment by BDM Corporation (1981-1990), we observed the same holidays that the government employees observed; thus, getting Veteran's Day off as a holiday.
More recently, during my last 14 years of employment (1990-2004), our company [Cessna Aircraft Company] sponsored a special get-together of those of us who had served in any branch of the Armed Forces--war time, or not. [For a taste of my service, please see Helicopters.] We worked on Veterans Day, but we took an hour or two off to get together for a speech, or two, to have cake and punch, and to exchange "old war stories".
To all who served our country, thank you. Your efforts and sacrifices are much appreciated!
For more postings concerning Veteran's Day, please see:
Thanks are in Order, by Bogie; A Veteran Remembrance, by Pattie; and Veterans Day 2008, by Ronni.
I think what I remember most was always getting one of those red poppies on Veteran's Day. I haven't had one in years!
Posted by: Kay Dennison | November 11, 2008 at 08:16 AM