Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
On Wednesday, November 10th, the Rotary Club of Houston luncheon at the junior League co-sponsored with the West Point Society a special program to celebrate Veteran's Day. The honored guest speaker was General Mark Welsh, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
The Sugar Land Rotary Club's speaker this week was Jim Moriarty, a Vietnam Vet himself, lost his Green Beret son 'Jimbo' in Jordan last week. "We were moved beyond words by Jim's presence and his strength." Please remember to honor our Veterans this week, and keep the Moriarty family in your thoughts and prayers. Their meeting was held on this week at Sweetwater Country Club with registration and reception beginning at 11:00 am and the Recognition of Veterans ending approximately 1:20 pm.
Many other Rotary clubs plan to honor club members and guests this week as they pay tribute to those who have served. From our Rotary e-club of Houston, we thank you and express our appreciation for your service - to all Veterans in our club and in other Rotary clubs.