For those who live in Augusta, residents will be able to hear the resounding music of the bells at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, from the churches of Penney Memorial, South Parish Congregational, St. Mary’s and St. Augustine, ringing 11 times, according to a news release from Connie Hanson, organizer.

The theme for Veterans Day 2022 is Honor. Veterans are proud of their military service in defending our nation. Honor reflects the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty. There is distinct honor in serving to protect our way of life and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Church bells Submitted photo

Ever wonder why Veterans Day is on the 11th and does not change? World War 1 ended on the 11th month of the 11th day on the 11th hour. World War I — known at the time as “The Great War” — officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to account for all veterans in all wars. end

For more information, call Hanson at 207-530-6160.

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