Veterans Day events announced Published Nov. 1, 2013 By Senior Airman Whitney Tucker 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- From the American Revolutionary War in 1775 to the current conflict in the Middle East, no generation of American citizens has been exempt from the anguish that inescapably accompanies combat. This Veterans Day, those wishing to pay homage to former Airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines and coastguardsmen may attend several events scheduled to take place throughout the second week of November. Activities will include numerous open houses at local veteran organizations, a weekend parade and a complimentary breakfast. Originally known as Armistice Day, Nov. 11 was exclusively devoted to the celebration and remembrance of World War I veterans. Despite the ever-increasing volume of World War II and Korean War veterans pouring into the United States, the public continued to follow the outdated Armistice Day tradition until the 1950s. "In 1953, Alvin King, a shoe store owner from Emporia, Ky., refused to accept that the country should honor only one generation of veterans," said Rick Shea, 27th Special Operations Wing historian. "From his store in Emporia, King rallied fellow shopkeepers to transform Armistice Day into something much bigger." "Word spread throughout the town and the community pressured local elected officials to act," Shea continued. "Before King knew it, his refusal to accept Armistice Day in its then-current form spread like wildfire across the nation. Thus, Veterans Day was born." Today, veterans from every American conflict are equally recognized and appreciated during Veterans Day events across the nation. In Clovis, N.M., organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion are flourishing, with recently separated service members joining up every day. "Many of the civilians who currently work on Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., are prior service," said John Fondrick, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron Airman & Family Readiness Center financial planner. "A large percentage of them also belong to veteran organizations in town." Fondrick, who is also the chairman of the Clovis Joint Veteran Council, recommends that Air Commandos who are recently retired or separated reach out to organizations in their communities, whether they choose to stay in Clovis or return to their home of record. "As a member of several veteran organizations, including the VFW, the Legion, Disabled Veterans and AMVETS, I can attest to the positive impact becoming a member can have," Fondrick said. "Veteran organizations allow former military members to have a voice in Washington and make valuable contributions to the local community as well as the base. As a member, the camaraderie I have experienced is akin to that in a deployed environment. The support you receive from fellow members cannot be overstated. We are there for each other - that's what these organizations are all about." Local Veterans Day events will include: · Nov. 4 - VFW 3280 open house from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. · Nov. 5 - VFW 3015 open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. · Nov. 6 - American Legion 117 open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. · Nov. 7 - Elks open house and flag retirement ceremony 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. · Nov. 8 - Disabled Veterans Post 6 open house from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. AMVET Post 14 open house 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. · · Nov. 9 - Veterans Day Parade on Main Street 10 a.m. Entry applications can be picked up at the A&FRC, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, or any of the posts. · Nov. 11 - Post 25 complimentary breakfast 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. For questions, or to get involved with local veterans organizations, contact Fondrick at 714-0619.