I was curious about how Veterans Day originated and found the following on military.com: 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 the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 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. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971.

Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11. With respect, honor and gratitude, thank you veterans!

Thank you to the wonderful supporters of the Alamosa Seniors, for selling and purchasing raffle tickets. You are amazing as always! We have four main items with a few smaller items to raffle off on Dec. 1st @ 1 p.m. The first is an original, signed Framed Etching by artist Steve Quiller; 2nd is a Handmade Quilt (Caffeine Frenzy) by Rhonda Borders; 3rd is a $50 City Market Card, and 4th a $50 Amazon Card and several smaller items. Tickets are 5 for $10 or 1 for $3. Please drop by if you would like to purchase some. We are accepting items for our silent auction and would love to hear from you if you plan on donating baked goodies!                                                                                                

On Friday, November 9th we will be raising a new flag right before lunch. It’s a time to be thankful for and honor our veterans. Please join us!

Daniel Workman is conducting a Concealed Carry Class & Training on Saturday, November 10th from 1-6 p.m. Class is open to the public. Members of the Alamosa Senior Citizens attend for free, seniors 50 and over $20 and all others $40. Please bring your pistol, sufficient ammunition & eye and ear protection. Call the Senior Center to sign up (719-589-3277) or email: [email protected].

The following weekly activities are for all seniors whether you are a member or not. Please come and join us! And if there is a class you would like to see us offer, please let us know!

* Billiards Play.

* Coffee social hour @ 8:30 a.m.

* Puzzle construction.

* M, W & F Strong Bones @ 9:30 a.m.

* Tuesdays @ 10 am, line dancing with Karen Stills.

* Dime Bingo, M-Th from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Free to members. $2 fee for non-members.

* Tai Chi with Lyn Johnson Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday evenings @ 5:30 p.m.

* Free 5 point ear acupuncture conducted by Rick Wertz each Tuesday @ 9:30 a.m. for veterans and seniors 50 & over. Those who participate note less stress & anxiety, & better sleep.

* Sewing Group (includes knitting, crocheting, quilting and anything you want to work on) meets each Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m. and the Mah Jongg group @ 1 p.m.

* Rock Painting Group meets each Thursday @ 10 a.m.! (These folks are having a blast!)

* No Chair Yoga for the month of November!

* Dominoes - Fridays @ 12:30 p.m.

* Daily transportation is available for seniors 60 and over within Alamosa City limits between 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please call ahead at least 24 hours in advance to schedule a ride for errands, Dr. visits, grocery shopping, dining and participating in events at the Center, etc.

* If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us! Regular annual membership is $30 per person or for an Ambassador membership $100 per person. We are located at 92 Colorado in Alamosa adjacent to Cole Park. Hours of operation are: M-Th 8 a.m.-3 p.m. & Fridays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 719-589-