Veterans Day is a public holiday that is dedicated to honoring anyone who has served in the United States military. The day gives Americans the opportunity to personally thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.
The holiday began as a day to remember the end of World War One. Germany signed an armistice with the Allies that signaled the end of the war at 11 a .m. on Nov. 11, 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday became known as Veterans Day in 1954.
Owego and Tioga County will observe Veterans Day 2015 at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial and Civil War Union Memorial on the south lawn of the Tioga County Court House opposite the Court Street Bridge.
Veterans of all wars are encouraged to attend the park only ceremony. Veterans 90 years of age or older may stand or sit in front row seats. Purple Heart Recipients are asked to line up in a heart formation at the memorial.
Wreaths Across America
Every fallen hero and a veteran deserve a graveside wreath for Christmas. Get involved locally by placing wreaths at cemetery entrances and veteran graves in Tioga and Bradford County community cemeteries.
Wreaths Across America occurs early in December. The mission is to Remember the fallen who gave up their lives, Honor those who served and Teach the youth that freedom isn’t free.
Families put a wreath on their veteran’s grave. Church and community organizations are empowered to hang a wreath at a cemetery entrance and as many un-wreathed veteran graves as possible.
This is the 20th year for the National Wreaths Across America program. Find more explanations from the founder, a Gold Star Mother and personal stories from those who served and sacrificed online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Purple Heart Recipients
Soon, Tioga County will be designated a Purple Heart County. The selfless display of bravery exhibited by Purple Heart Recipients is deserving of the utmost admiration of our community and is the motivation behind this county’s pursuit of the designation.
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration and is awarded to those wounded or killed as a result of engaging the enemy while serving in the U.S. Military.
Tioga County is full of admirable heroes both living and deceased. Families are encouraged to identify those Purple Heart Recipients so they may be honored.
Who to Contact
To report Purple Heart Recipients or veterans over 90 for Veterans Day, or to find out how you can support Wreaths Across America in Tioga and Bradford Counties, contact Glenn A. Warner Post 1371 Veterans of Foreign Wars or call (607) 687-4229.
