The Veterans Day ceremony at the Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial honors the sacrifices of U.S. Armed Forces members who have served the country to protect American freedoms.

The ceremony is a joint effort of three of the veterans service organizations in Fountain Hills (VFW, American Legion and AmVets). This year’s ceremony is led by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507. VFW Post 7507’s color guard will parade and present the colors to start and end the ceremony.

Each year, November 11 is set aside to honor veterans and remind citizens of the service given by military members. During World War I (known at the time as The Great War), fighting formally ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. That has become the date to honor veterans.

Veterans Day is the official United States holiday that coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also marks the anniversary of the end of World War I.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.

This annual observance will commemorate as well as recognize the military men and women who serve their country in the Armed Forces of the United States. Plan to join the Fountain Hills community at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Veteran’s Memorial located on the south side of Fountain Park for a ceremony honoring those that have worn the military uniform.

Attendees are encouraged to wear patriotic clothing such as Red Shirt Friday shirts. Veterans are encouraged to wear uniform parts or organizational clothing if a member of a veterans service organization.

Chairs and limited shade will be provided by the VFW.