Veteran’s Day celebrations will be taking place all throughout Central Illinois today. The Holiday, which occurs on November 11th every year in the US, is commemorated on that day because it is the 11th hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 that signaled the end of World War One or at that time “The Great War” known as armistice day. The holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. For a while, Veteran’s Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, but in 1971, President Gerald Ford moved it back to November 11th. Over 18.2 million living veterans served during at least one war as of 2018. 9 percent of veterans are women. 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War and 3 million have served in support of the War on Terrorism. Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 495,000 are still alive. In Taylorville, the American Legion will be hosting a commemoration. Dave Hendricks says the festivities kick off at 10 AM with Mayor Barry speaking, and the Taylorville Municipal band will play. 

Bob Ridings in Pana will be doing a free luncheon and oil change on Veterans Day. General Manager Darren Seaton says it’s the least they can do.

Seaton says this is the second year that they are doing this and that they are proud of all Veterans and want to say thank you.

Regional Radio News wants to salute both past and present Veterans for their service to this country.