Veterans Day Ceremony
Until World War II occurred, what is now known as World War I was called The Great War. It ended when an armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. Thereafter, this date was honored by commemoration of a national holiday, "Armistice Day," and a great tradition was that there would be a moment of silence at 11 o'clock on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In the 1950's, the holiday became Veterans Day and it has been known by that name since as a means of honoring all veterans of all wars and conflicts.

The annual Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 11, in the Norwalk Concert Hall. The ceremony will be preceded by a concert by the American Festival Band at 9:30 a.m., under the directorship of Chris Geist. This concert will mix some traditional pop songs with some golden oldies.

The formal ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. with the presentation of the massed colors of all local patriotic and some civic organizations. A rendering of the National Anthem will be played by the American Festival Band.
US Naval Academy Midshipman Carla Moran (BMHS graduate) and US Military Academy Cadet Raymond Vetter (NHS graduate) lead Pledge of Allegience.
Jake McNiece, 2007 guest speaker. After the traditional invocation, greetings from Mayor Moccia, and announcements by the NMVC Chairman, presentation of the Stew Leonard Trophy (for best marching by one of the JROTC detachments in the Memorial Day Parade) and other awards will be made. The speaker for this year's ceremony will be Jarvis Johnson.

In recent years we have been fortunate to have such distinguished speakers as Jake McNiece (leader of the "Filthy Thirteen," legendary squad of 101st Airborne Division paratroopers in World War II) and Mort Walker (creator of the Beetle Bailey cartoon character).
The ceremony pauses briefly precisely at 11:00 a.m. to observe a moment of silence to honor all Americans killed while in the service of their country. At that time the NPD Honor Guard will fire a rifle volley and "Taps" will be rendered by guest buglers from NHS and BMHS.

The ceremony always includes a playing of a medley of service songs and stirring rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" by soloist Alison Faye. The ceremony concludes with a benediction, the retirement of the massed colors, and the playing of "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Refreshments are served in the Community Room after the ceremony, sponsored by the NVMC and managed by American Legion Post 12 Auxiliary.		 Mort Walker, 2006 guest speaker.