Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - Veterans Day

This week is special, its election time, a date for Americans to voice their thoughts, but it’s also Veterans Day, Armistice Day, the 11th day of the 11th month.

"Some gave away all of their tomorrows for our today." A quote by John Maxwell Edmonds (1875-1958). 

 A few tidbits about the six branches of the U.S. military; a little history.

 The Army is the oldest and largest branch of the military.

The Marine Corps is a branch trained for combat operations.

The Navy maintains security in the air and sea.

The Air Force is responsible for air and space capability.

The Space Force protects U.S. and interests in space.

The Coast Guard provides law and safety enforcement.

 All services operate under the Department of Defense and the President of the United States.

The American Legion was born at the end of WW 1, between Germany’s surrender on November 11, 1918, and the day the Treaty of Versailles was signed, June 28, 1919.  

Theodore Roosevelt Jr., described as the father of the Legion – always insisted that no one man can claim to be the founder..

Roosevelt said that a wounded soldier had said, we have stuck together in bad times; let’s stick together in the good ones. The American Legion grew from that point on. 

Our local Town of Hunter American Legion Post 165 places an American flag on every veteran’s gravesite in local cemeteries. It makes you proud to see how many local men and women have served our country. 

 Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, a day of decorating the gravesites.  It began during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those killed in battle. After World War I, it came to be observed in honor of those who had died in all wars.

 Thank you all for serving.

 Stay safe, and thanks for reading.

Dede Terns Thorpe. Hunterhistorian@gmail.com

Source: The Schoharie News