November 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice, which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict.

At 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 1918, the Germans signed the Armistice, an order that was issued for all firing to cease; so the hostilities of the First World War ended. This day began with the laying down of arms, the blowing of whistles, impromptu parades, and the closing of places of business. All over the globe there were many demonstrations of rejoicing.

In 1927, Congress issued a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Nov. 11, and inviting the people to observe the day in schools and churches. However, it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill that each Nov. 11 &#8220shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and…hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.”

The name was changed to Veterans’ Day by an act of Congress on May 24, 1954.

This Saturday, Nov. 11 is Veterans’ Day, and all around the United States, there will be Veterans’ Day celebrations and commemorations honoring our nation’s heroes and heroines. It is so important that we do not forget the sacrifices these men and women made so that we can enjoy our freedoms and rights. May we never take these freedoms for granted.

The Butler County Historical Society invites everyone to a day of celebration honoring the Alabama National Guard Butler County Unit and all veterans of all wars, slated for this Saturday in Confederate Park. Music begins at 10 a.m., program at 11 a.m. Lunch to follow along with a book signing by Nimrod Frazer in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church.

Everyone is invited to attend and to honor our nation’s heroes.