Veterans and the Community Recognize Their Military Service

by ROGER GITLIN

Crescent City and Del Norte County took a break to celebrate Veterans Day on Tuesday.

Veterans Day was created on 11/11/1918 at 11:11 a.m. as Armistice Day, officially ending World War I. In 1954, Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

The traditional parade, with some 36 separate entries, kicked off promptly at 10 a.m. on H Street. A patriotic crowd observed the event, with parade participants tossing candy treats for the kids.

At 11:30 a.m., the community gathered back at the Veterans Hall for a luncheon — free for all vets and kids, $5 for non-veterans.

Commander David Cooper recited the Military Oath, pledging to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” and to “bear true faith and allegiance to it.” For all enlisted personnel, the oath also requires obeying the orders of the President and their officers according to the regulations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Del Norte veterans have faithfully discharged the duties of that oath.

VFW Post 1381 Commander David Cooper welcomed about 65 attendees to this year’s luncheon.

Post Commander Cooper recognized all six branches of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Those who served in each branch stood from their seats to be recognized.

Home Depot was also recognized for donating materials for a new roof for the Veterans Hall following a disastrous windstorm three years ago.

Cooper shared with the audience that the entire Armed Forces of the United States total about 2.1 million members — 1.3 million on active duty. Thirty million served during World War II.

This is the first year veterans have been recognized by Presidential Proclamation.