Veterans Day, Mississippi style

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. 

Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance. It became a national holiday in 1938. 

Sixteen years later, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served their country during war or peacetime.

On Veterans Day, the nation honors military veterans - living and dead - with parades and other observances across the country and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery. 

Did you know there are 16.2 million military veterans, according to the Census Bureau. The number of military veterans in the U.S in 2022 represent 6.2% of the total civilian population age 18 year and over. 

Facts Veterans Day 2023: November 11 (census.gov)

Mississippi Style  

* The East Mississippi Veterans Foundation will host a Veterans Day Tribute on Nov. 9 at East Mississippi Veterans Park adjacent to Meridian, Mississippi's,’ historic Key Field starting at 1:30 p.m. Guest speaker: NAS Meridian’s Command Master Chief Craig Johnson. During the program, Gold Star Mother Wilma Allen will announce plans for the addition of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at veterans' park. Veterans Day program set for Thursday at Veterans Park | News | meridianstar.com 

Following events are happening on Nov. 11.

* PASS CHRISTIAN: Gulf Coast Veterans Association Veterans Day Parade in Pass Christian at War Memorial Park, 11 a.m., starts near the railroad tracks, wraps up at the park

* MOSS POINT: Veterans Day Program in Moss Point at the waterfront, 11 a.m. 

* D’IBERVILLE: MS Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade 2023, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., starts at D’iberville Football Stadium, wraps up at RaceTrac.

* GULFPORT: Bikes and Baristas Salute to our Vets, Perks Coffee Shop, 5-8 p.m.

* VANCLEAVE: The Butcher on Tucker Veteran’s Day event, 10101 Tucker Rd, free meals to service members, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

* LONG BEACH: Veterans Day Celebration & Parade, Long Beach Town Green, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., parade begins at 11, live music & food available. 

* WAVELAND: Waveland Veterans Day Parade, starts at 11 a.m. on Coleman Avenue. LIST: Veterans Day events, celebrations, and freebies happening across the Coast (wlox.com)