Goshen hosts Veterans Day commemoration

Steve Wilson, Goshen News, Ind.
Updated ·2 min read

Nov. 12—GOSHEN — Saturday, per historical tradition, at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, the city of Goshen honored those who have served in the military, both here and across the nation.

"It just means freedom, supporting your country and your family," said U.S. Army veteran Brian Fann, Goshen, who was among those who came out to watch the event in front of the Elkhart County Courthouse.

Goshen Police Department Ptl. Jeff Schrock, a member of the GPD Honor Guard, served as coordinator for the ceremony, which he said is in recognition of anyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces.

"Today is the day we celebrate all the veterans from all the branches of the service," Schrock said shortly before the event got underway. "God bless them."

Both GPD and the Goshen Fire Department provided a mixed color guard. In addition, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 985 and the Disabled Veterans of America provided a combined honor guard, for bugle taps and for a firing party for a salute, with VFW Post 985 Commander George Buckmaster giving a ceremonial blessing.

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

"World War I — known at the time as "The Great War" — officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France," according to the U.S Dept. of Veterans Affairs website. "However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars.'"

Veterans Day continues to be observed Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.

"I'm glad that everyone was able to attend our ceremony to honor the veterans," Buckmaster said when the event was over.

To learn more about programs available for veterans, visit www.va.gov.

Steve Wilson is news editor for The Goshen News. You can reach him at steve.wilson@goshennews.com.