VETERANS DAY BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

Veteran’s Day was designed to mark the end of World War I.  It was originally called Armistice Day. The armistice with Germany went into effect on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918. The holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.This Veteran’s Day, the residents of Harbor Hills will gather for a unique tribute to our veterans here and abroad. The ceremony will begin at an historic 11 a.m. on November 11^th.  Neighbors will meet at our Memorial Park overlooking the beautiful 16^th green.Steve Stephens, a retired sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, will represent all military services when he brings our National Colors down the hill. He will be accompanied by Steve Hritz, Colonel, US Air Force (Ret.) and John E. Bircher III, Colonel, US Army (Ret.) Steve will present our American flag to salute and recite our Pledge of Allegiance. A brief program celebrating all veterans will be followed by special recognition of veterans living in our community. “Our service members come from all walks of life,” Colonel, US Army (Ret.) Giac Modica explains, “but each has the basic qualities that exemplify the character of our armed forces: courage, selflessness and dedication to duty.”Memorial Day honors those who dies defending our freedoms. But Veteran’s Day honors those who returned home to improve our communities. Let’s reach out every day to assure veterans that they are not forgotten.A kaleidoscope of names and miliary emblems are engraved on the bricks surrounding our memorial. The Harbor Hills Garden & Women’s Club sells these bricks customized with your veteran’s name. Funds from brick sales pay for maintenance and upgrades to our park. To purchase an engraved brick, contact Shirle Mabie at shirlemabie@gmail.com.