Remembering those who Served.

This past Sunday our nation stopped for a moment to honor our Veterans past and present. During the Post’s Open House many Veterans were provided with valuable information from the NVLSP and the TM Center of Washington. We still need your help to ensure the viability of Veteran Organizations, in Montgomery County, by having Montgomery County Opt-In to the gaming bill. Passage of the measure to allow pull-tab machine in American Legion Posts will only strengthen our service to the community, state and Nation, through the greater availability of funds for scholarships and other donations.

Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day is celebrated every year on 11 November to commemorate the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. While fighting on the Western Front ended, the war continued in other regions, especially across the former Russian Empire and in parts of the old Ottoman Empire.

After World War II, the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day in the United States and to Remembrance Day in the countries of the British Commonwealth of Nations. In the U.S., the function of Veterans Day is different from those of other Nations. Unlike other countries, where that calendar date is set aside specifically for honoring those who died in action, Veterans Day honors all American veterans, whether living, dead in action, or deceased from other causes. The official national remembrance of war dead instead falls on the late-May holiday of Memorial Day, which became entrenched in that role in the decades immediately following the Civil War.

American Legion Post 295 conducted a Veterans Day Open House & Stand Down, at the Willow Tree Inn at the Montgomery Village Golf Club. Many Veterans came to take advantage of the assistance provided by accredited Veteran Service Officers. Unlike other ceremonies, with blusterly speeches, there were no speeches here, just camaraderie and a chance to share memories with other veterans. We were graced with a visit by Maryland Senator Rob Garagiola who sat and talked with many members.

Quite a few veterans received assistance from National Veterans Legislative Service Program. Many were surprised that they had potential claims for benefits from the Veterans Administration.

Post 295 continues to be part of the community with events like this. Mark your calendar for November 11th, 2013