Veterans Day and the Magic of the Number Eleven!

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” — Arthur Ashe

On November 11, 1921, on a quiet hillside in Arlington National Cemetery, an unknown World War I American soldier was laid to rest in a poignant cemetery honoring the fallen. This location has since become a point of reverence for American Veterans.

Interestingly, similar burials occurred earlier in places of honor in England (Westminster Abbey) and France (Arc de Triomphe) as an unknown soldier from World War I was laid to rest. The date of these events? November 11.

Why makes November 11 such a significant date for Veterans?

World War 1 was officially declared over on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

And Veterans Day was born!

This week, throughout the country, Veterans will be honored on November 11 with many events kicking off at—11:00 am!

Take the opportunity to honor Veterans in your own Sonoma County neighborhood.

The city of Santa Rosa will host a 10:30 am commemoration at Santa Rosa City Hall. The ceremony is held at the flagpoles on Santa Rosa Avenue/Sonoma Avenue. The flag salute ceremony begins promptly at 11am. Check out the details.

Looking for a special treat for the Veteran in your life? Veterans are invited to enjoy free admission at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in honor of their service and as a tribute to Mr. Schulz's military service. More information is available here.

Veterans, thank you for your service.