WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org
This coming week, as the nation observes Veterans Day, several community events have been planned to honor area veterans.
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 Nov. 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, Nov. 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, 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.” Another change happened in 1968, with Veterans Day moved to the fourth Monday of October, however; that did not meet with much success so in 1975, former President Gerald R. Ford signed a law that moved Veterans Day back to Nov. 11.
City of Wyoming
The City of Wyoming will be hosting its annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center. The breakfast is free for veterans and $10 for non-veterans. Reservations for the breakfast are required. To make a reservation, call the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164. For more on this event, click here.
Government Matters
This month’s Government Matters forum, hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, will be at Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, 98 52nd St. SE. The program, which is from 8 – 9:15 a.m., brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
Mr. Sid’s Afternoon Video Series
The popular program, which is named after former Wyoming resident and World War II veteran Sid Lenger, will host a special program honoring veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The free program is at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. For more information, click here.
Other Veterans Day events
Several area businesses will be doing special promotions and events for veterans. All SpartanNash stores will be giving veterans an 11 percent discount on eligible products on Sunday, Nov. 10, and Monday, Nov. 11. The stores will also start carrying American Dream apples, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bag of apples will support service members, veterans and their families.
