By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

Marshall County was full of celebration and remembrance on Nov. 11, also known as Veterans Day. Many of the local schools had programs prepared to thank the veterans. They invited veterans they knew and those that were part of their students' families.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on the square in Lewisburg, a Veterans Day program was given for the public. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was performed by Beth McDaniel and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The crowd eagerly faced the flag and helped recite the words everyone knows so well. The speaker was veteran Wayne Coomes. He opened by saying, "I am always proud to speak on behalf or in remembrance of those who have served for our country." He also told of the origin of Veterans Day, and why it was chosen to take place on Nov. 11.

Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day. It takes place on Nov. 11, because fighting in World War I ended when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars." The Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended the war, was signed seven months later, on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles, France.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

"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," said Wilson.

During Coomes' speech he explained that freedom is not free.

"The most expensive investment (in freedom) has been with the blood of those who served," he said. Coomes went on to quote common goals shared among all of those fighting for the freedom of the United States, and those goals come straight from the U.S. Constitution: "We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity."

In an emotional ending to his speech, Coomes said, "I ask that you find a vet and talk to them before it's too late, 'Lest We Forget.'"

That evening the American Legion met at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall for a Veterans Day dinner and a program with a speaker and music. The crowd this year was much larger than last year's, which was very exciting. The Veterans Day speaker that evening was World War II veteran, Edwin Scott, 92. Scott spoke about being a veteran, and, much like Coomes' speech, explained the importance of those serving for our country.

"Today we commemorate the 95th Armistice Day," said Scott. "We gain strength from our heroes." He ended with a request to talk to a vet and thank them before it is too late.

The evening ended with enthusiasm and singing led by Jimmy Davis.