Courier file photo
The Veterans Day Parade in Alamosa will start at 11 a.m. on Main Street. In this file photo, members of the Alamosa High School Military Club march in the parade.
Posted
By John Waters, Courier News Editor
SAN LUIS VALLEY — In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. In 1954, Congress passed legislation that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
At the time Wilson said, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."
On Veterans Day, we honor those fellow citizens who have served our country. Many events in the Valley celebrate the courage and valor of our Veterans, please partake in these honorable events:
Thursday, Nov. 9 — Mountain Valley School at 615 Pitkin Ave. in Saguache will feature a Veterans breakfast from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and a concert at 10. The event is free to Veterans and their families. Call 719-655-2578 to RSVP.
Thursday, Nov. 9 — Alamosa County hosts a Veterans lunch at the Alamosa County Justice Center. The public is invited to participate. The luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 10 — The Veterans Center at Adams State University invites the community to a Veterans dinner at Vistas Restaurant in Rex Stadium from 6 to 8 p.m. It is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community. The public is invited to enjoy camaraderie by talking with veterans and their families regarding their experiences. There will be enough food to feed thirty people on a first-come basis.
Saturday, Nov. 11 — American Legion — Dickey-Springer Post 113, and the Ladies Auxiliary will host the annual Veterans Day Parade on Main Street in Alamosa. The parade begins at 11 a.m. The parade recognizes veterans, past and present. To participate in the parade, reach out to Jack Rudder at 719-588-9838 or Monte Collins at 719-589-4142.
Saturday, Nov. 11 — Civil War Veteran Captain Jose Maria Sanchez will be celebrated at the Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church in San Luis at 10 a.m. He will then be given a military service at the San Pedro Cemetery by an Honor Guard provided by American Legion Post 142 and VFW Post 6101 of San Luis. For more information, call 719 588-0512 or 719-672-4218.
Saturday, Nov. 11 — Proud Military Parents group is hosting its first annual Coffee with a Veteran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. This event will take place at the Colorado Veterans Community Center of Homelake in Monte Vista. The event will be open to the public
Saturday, Nov. 11 — The San Luis Valley Theatre Company is presenting a comedy play called Breaking and Entering at our home base at Society Hall. 400 Ross Ave., Alamosa. Veterans are welcome to attend at no charge.
Saturday, Nov. 11 – The SLV Big Band will host a Veterans Day concert at 7 p.m. at Ortega Middle School. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted.
