Whether Politically Correct or Not Veterans Honored
Veterans have always been respected and honored in Plumas County. Even after the flames had subsided less than a month after the 2021 Dixie Fire devastated Greenville, Veterans Day was not forgotten. A parade was held down Main Street amongst the twisted ruins of what was left of the town. Many showed up to honor those who had served our country, forgoing their own plight of losing their home, place of business or occupation to pay homage to those who had served and allowed the freedoms they enjoy.
Amongst those honored every year is a contingency in Plumas County of Veterans from the unpopular VietNam War, many who are now in their 70s. This was not a war of their doing but when called upon to serve, they did. Upon their return, many throughout the nation not supportive of the war took it out on the men and women in uniform. For those who lived in rural Plumas County, that was never the case.
Though this may appear arrogant on the part of Plumas County, that is not why we reference our acknowledgement and celebration of veterans on Veterans Day no matter what war. We mention it because community defines our rural county, which means support and acceptance. We need one another and for that reason stand by one another. We also bet this homage to Vets is alive and strong throughout rural America. And though rural areas currently struggle in many ways, we can comfortably say that we are united in our patriotism and support to the armed forces.
The Greenville Veterans Parade has been going on, non-stop, for over 20+ years. And again, this year, the community who touts themselves as Greenville Strong puts aside their huge task of rebuilding their town and recreating their existence, that would never overshadow the need and the desire to honor their Veterans.
Greenville Celebration: November 11 at 11 o’clock in “downtown” Greenville with a Harvest Celebration at 1:00pm at The Spot (205 Pine St.) This will honor our veterans and celebrate the change of seasons with a free community lunch.
Veteran Day Facts:
- Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, and was meant to be a day that celebrated the victory of the Allied forces during World War I. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” In 1947, a World War II Vet, Raymond Weeks, sought to change the name to honor all Vets in addition to those who served in WWI. A bill to change the name to Veterans Day was signed by President Eisenhower In 1954.
- There’s a National Moment of Silence for Veterans Day. In 2016, President Barack Obama signed the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act. At 3:11 p.m. (Atlantic Standard Time) each Veterans Day, the current President will issue an official moment of silence for two minutes.
- There is a difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.
- Today the red poppy remains an outward sign of remembrance. It began when red poppies were among the first plants to bloom in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium. The connection with the poppy and the fallen soldier was solidified with one of the era’s most famous poems, “In Flanders Field,” written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. https://veteranlife.com/military-holidays/veterans-day-facts/
