Veterans Day
Sunday, November 11, 2019
Torrington: Special Veterans Day CeremonyVeterans Memorial Committee
Torrington’s Observance of Veterans’ Day... Monday, November 11, 2019 ~ 10:30 AM ~ Coe Park The Torrington Veterans Memorial Committee, and its member groups, invites the public, current military personnel, and Especially All Veterans, to join them in their Veterans Day Observance ceremony on Monday November 11, 2019. The ceremony will be held, rain or shine, at Torrington’s Coe Park and will begin approximately 10:30 AM. In the case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held inside the Coe Park Civic Center. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Please make every effort in joining us to show our gratitude and respect to all Veterans, past and present, and their families. If anyone has an American flag that is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged they may bring them and a member of a Veterans organization will take the flag and see that it is properly retired. Also, if any organization would like to participate in the program by placing a wreath to honor our Veterans, please contact the Veteran Service Office at 860 489-2531 by 3:00 PM, Wednesday November 6. History of Veterans Day:World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn 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…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words: Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible." 
President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.
In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman. The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people. Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. |
Veterans Day Deals and FreebiesAMC Theaters
AMC Stubs Members with a valid military I.D. can receive a free large popcorn all weekend long at participating theatres, from Friday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 11. The offer is available to active-duty service members and veterans who purchase a military priced ticket using their AMC Stubs membership. Learn more here. Applebee's Applebee's is offering veterans and active-duty military a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive menu created just for them on Veterans Day. Participating Connecticut Applebee’s locations include Plainville, Mansfield, Torrington, Orange, Groton and Danbury. The offer is for dine-in only. Veterans and active-duty military simply show proof of military service. Get details here. California Pizza Kitchen On Veterans Day, U.S. veterans and active U.S. military members with proof of service can feast on a complimentary meal from CPK’s Veterans Day menu at all participating California Pizza Kitchen locations nationwide. The deal is dine-in only. Learn more here. Chili’s Chili’s is offering veterans and active military members a free Veterans Day meal. The deal is for dine-in only and from a limited menu. Get more information here. Christopher’s Salon Christopher’s Salon in Guilford is offering free haircuts to all current and former servicemen and women with Christopher, Tim and Alyssa from Tuesday, Nov. 12,through Friday, Nov. 15. Learn more here. Connecticut Science Center On Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10, the Connecticut Science Center is offering free general admission for veterans and active duty military. Accompanying family will also receive 50 percent off their general admission. The Science Center is closed on Monday, Nov. 11. Get details here. Cracker Barrell On Veterans Day, all U.S. Military veterans and active duty military can receive a complimentary Pumpkin Pie Latte or a slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. See details here. Cugino’s Cugino’s Restaurant in Farmington is inviting veterans to eat lunch for free on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Cumberland Farms Cumberland Farms will honor veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID a free cup of coffee. There is a limit of one coffee per customer. Denny’s All active, inactive and military personnel who visit participating Denny's locations nationwide, on Veteran's Day, Monday, Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon to enjoy a complimentary Build Your Own Grand Slam. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a valid military ID or DD 214. Get details here. Dunkin’ Donuts On Monday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military can receive a free donut of their choice, with no purchase necessary. Details here. In addition to a free donut of their choice, the first 50 veterans and active military at participating Dunkin’ restaurants on Nov. 11 will also receive a thank you card written by members of the community from A Million Thanks. Foxwoods Foxwoods is holding a Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11. It starts at 11 a.m. Active military, veterans and first responders staying in November will receive an additional 5 percent off hotel rates. Get more details here. Friendly’s At Friendly’s Restaurants, all veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free breakfast, lunch or dinner on Monday, Nov. 11. The offer is good with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card. The offer is valid for dine-in guests only at participating Friendly’s locations and is limited to one breakfast or lunch/dinner entrée per person. Get details here. Hooters All active-duty and retired military can stop into a participating Hooters location for a free meal on Monday, Nov. 11. Veterans who present a military ID or proof of service and purchase a beverage at any participating Hooters location nationwide will receive a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu. It is available for dine-in only. Get details here. Kohl’s From Thursday, Nov. 7 through Monday, Nov. 11, Kohl’s will double its Military Monday discount to 30 percent. Discounts are valid in-store when the customer shows a valid Military ID, Military Dependent ID or Veteran ID at the point of purchase. Little Caesars On Nov. 11, Little Caesars will give one $5 Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo to each veteran or active member of the United States military who goes to a participating store between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and mentions the offer at the check-out counter and presents proof of service. Get more information here. Mystic Aquarium United States military veterans and active-duty members who visit Mystic Aquarium between Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 17 will receive complimentary general admission with a valid U.S. military ID, Veteran’s Administration Card or form DD214. Family members receive a discounted admission rate of $10 off general admission when each person presents their U.S. military dependent ID at time of purchase. Get details here. On The Border On Monday, Nov. 11, all active and retired members of the U.S. military can receive a free meal that includes two items served with rice and beans at On The Border. This Veterans Day special is available for dine-in only at participating On The Border locations. All U.S. military personnel must show valid military identification to receive the offer. Get details here. Outback Steakhouse Outback Steakhouse offers a 10 percent discount off their entire check for all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID. Get details here. Red Lobster Veterans, active duty military and reservists can visit participating Red Lobster locations for a free appetizer or dessert on Monday, Nov. 11. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem the offer. Get details here. Red Robin Veterans and active duty are invited to enjoy a free Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Monday, Nov. 11. The deal is good for dine-in only. Proof of service required. More details here. Ninety-Nine Restaurant & Pub Ninety-Nine Restaurant & Pub will offer a free entrée, with the purchase of any other entrée, to veterans and active duty military at all Ninety-Nine Restaurants in New England on Veteran’s Day, Monday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Veterans and active duty military can choose a free entrée from the ‘9 Real Size Entrees for $9.99’ Menu with the purchase of another entrée and with proof of service or a valid military ID. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is hosting its annual Veterans Powwow on Sat., Nov. 9. Doors open at 10 a.m. and the grand entry begins at noon. Powwow admission for veterans and active-duty military with a valid ID plus one guest is free and includes a complimentary luncheon at 2 p.m. Get details here. Texas Roadhouse Veterans and active military can get free lunch at Texas Roadhouse on Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get details here. |
