Teagan White and Kenli Schnalzer salute the wreath they’ve laid in remembrance  of fallen soldiers for the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 at the American Legion Post 800. Photo by John Drake
Teagan White and Kenli Schnalzer salute the wreath they’ve laid in remembrance of fallen soldiers for the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2014 at the American Legion Post 800. Photo by John Drake

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, the United States observes Veterans Day.

As it does each year, Idyllwild’s American Legion Post 800 commemorates the day the “Great War,” World War 1, ended at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918.

The Legion officers and Honor Guard conduct a moving ceremony to honor all American war dead.

Post Commander Danny Richardson said there will be a speaker and a ceremonial folding of the flag by the Post Honor Guard, with each fold remembering a conflict in which U.S. service men and women gave their lives. A complimentary lunch follows and the entire community is welcome to attend.

Originally called Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day in other countries that fought in the war, the observance marks the formal end of hostilities of “The War to End All Wars.” After the signing of an armistice by representatives of the Central Powers and the Western Allies in a rail car on a siding in Compiègne, France, soldiers throughout the war theater put down their weapons at the appointed time of 11 a.m.

In November 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. In 1938, an act of Congress made Nov. 11 each year a legal holiday. And in 1954, following WW II and the Korean conflict, Congress renamed the commemorative holiday Veterans Day to pay tribute to American war dead and to honor all who serve or have served their country as part of the U.S. military.

On Friday, Nov. 11, all federal and state government offices, including the post office, will be closed, as are banks, schools and county offices.

The American Legion Post 800 is located at 54360 Marian View Drive in Idyllwild. The event is free.