Celebration of Veterans Day 2015 on Cedar Creek Lake Wednesday, Nov. 11, will feature multiple events.
The Sarah Maples Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host a remberance at the Veterans Memorial Garden next to the Mabank Park Pavilion. It will include a prayer, comments and Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
In Seven Points, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4376 will host the Fourth Annual Veterans Day Parade at 11 a.m. The "Freedom Is Not Free" -themed parade will run from Arnold Hills Road on Cedar Creek Parkway to the Post. The Post will host a ceremony and lunch.
In Gun Barrel City, American Legion Post 310 will host a ceremony and sandwich lunch at 2 p.m.
Veterans Day is a public holiday that is dedicated to honoring anyone who has served in the United States military. The holiday began as a day to remember the end of World War I and was declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday became Veterans Day in 1954.
Most federal workers are given the day off and there is no mail service in the United States on this day. Federal workers who are required to work during the holiday are often given additional compensation as a benefit.
When Woodrow Wilson declared 11 November a holiday, the primary intention was to have a day to reflect on the sacrifices of those who had served in the military during World War I. Observation of the holiday through parades and meetings was envisioned.
Today, many Americans observe the day by attending ceremonies and parades that are dedicated to honoring the troops for their service. These often allow veterans to speak about their time in the service and give Americans the opportunity to personally thank veterans for their sacrifice.