On Veterans Day, November 11, the Lexington Park Lions Club extends a heartfelt thank-you to every man and woman who has served in the United States Armed Forces. Here in Lexington Park and across St. Mary’s County, veterans are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family. They’re the people we see at the grocery store, at school ballgames, and at community events. We may have known some of them for years and heard only a little about their time in uniform. Veterans Day gives us a chance to tell them how much we appreciate what they gave. |
Why We Observe Veterans Day on November 11
At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations brought the fighting of World War I to a halt. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first observance of Armistice Day. Congress made November 11 a federal holiday in 1938. After Americans served in World War II and the Korean War, Congress renamed the holiday Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all eras. The date still carries the memory of that morning in 1918, and its purpose has grown to recognize everyone who has served in the U.S. military. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs history of Veterans Day
To Our Veterans and Their Families, Thank You
To every veteran in Lexington Park, across Southern Maryland, and wherever this message finds you, thank you. Thank you for stepping forward to serve, for the long days and nights on duty, and for the time you spent away from the people you love. Whether you served one enlistment or made the military your career, whether you served here at home or overseas, in wartime or in peace, your service deserves to be recognized. We’re grateful, too, for the veterans who keep giving their time here at home, coaching young people, volunteering, and looking out for their neighbors.
We also want to thank the families who carried extra responsibilities at home. A deployment or a long assignment can mean birthdays celebrated over the phone, holiday meals with someone missing from the table, and everyday decisions handled by the people back home. To the spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who helped their families through those stretches, we appreciate what you gave, too.
If a veteran comes to mind as you read this, give them a call or stop by when you have a chance. Ask how they’re doing. If they feel like telling you a story, give them the time to tell it. And if all you have are a few words, “I’m glad you’re my neighbor, and I’m grateful you served” is a good place to start.
“We Serve” is the motto of Lions Clubs International, one of the world’s largest service organizations. Its mission is to help volunteers improve their communities and meet humanitarian needs around the world. Here at home, the Lexington Park Lions Club welcomes veterans and anyone else who wants to lend a hand, support local causes, and get to know their neighbors. If you’ve been looking for a way to serve St. Mary’s County, we’d be glad to meet you. Lexington Park Lions Club |
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