Title
Supervisor Thomas recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair’s signature on the Proclamation to recognize Veterans Day and to honor our Veterans. The Proclamation will be presented by Supervisor Thomas during the Annual Veterans Day ceremony at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend; and
2) Acknowledge “Operation Green Light for Veterans” supporting green lights at our Veterans Monument from November 6-12, 2023.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
November 11 became an official national holiday in the United States in 1938. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor those who had served in all U.S. wars. Ceremonies are held each year at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and floral tributes are placed on the graves of service men and women and at memorials throughout the country.
Initially called Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, it was officially adopted in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action. Now, if WWI had been "the war to end all wars" as it was called, Nov. 11 might be still called Armistice Day. However, World War II would prove otherwise. Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of WWII and Korea, Congress decided to make the day an occasion to honor all those who have served America. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. Since then, Veterans Day would come to acknowledge veterans of all wars, and then all who once served in the U.S. military.
While Veterans Day provides the occasion to publicly commemorate the contributions of all veterans, it is also an opportunity to show particular appreciation toward living veterans in our own community. Beyond the free meals, discounts, tributes, and platitudes given to veterans on this day, it is helpful to truly show them your appreciation. If you find a veteran, ask them a few questions. Ask them when they served, where they served, what branch did they serve in, what did they do while they served, what was it like to serve, and finally, why did they serve. Listen to their story and then you will truly know about the service you are thanking them for. It will make all the difference to them and might give you a greater appreciation for our veterans and the freedoms they ensured we can all enjoy.
This year the County wants to join the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) in support of “Operation Green Light for Veterans”. This program is to show support for veterans by shining a green light to let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. El Dorado County will be lighting up our Veterans Monument with green lights during this campaign from November 6-12, 2023.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve signing the Proclamation and not to acknowledge “operation green light for veterans”.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar 22-2016 on 11/8/22
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair’s signature on the Proclamation and give to District III for presentation at the Veterans Day Celebration
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance
CONTACT
Supervisor Wendy Thomas