The first Armistice Day, as it was then called, was held in 1919 to celebrate the first anniversary of the signing of the Treaty that brought Germany's surrender in World War I. This peace treaty, often confused with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, brought World War I to a close in 1918, as Germany officially surrendered to the U.S. and its allies (except Russia, who had bowed out of the conflict months earlier, surrendering portions of its empire to Germany with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk). The signing took place on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month.

Congress adopted a resolution on June 4, 1926, calling for an annual proclamation from the president to observe November 11th with "proper ceremonies" and in 1938, congress passed an act making the date a legal holiday. Ever since, Armistice Day and now Veterans Day has been celebrated on November 11th, remembering those that have served in the United States Military in conflicts from WWI to WW2, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Grenada, and both of the Gulf Wars.

There is never a shortage of observances in the Lawton- Ft. Sill area, where patriotism is always a priority. We have a short list of ceremonies this week to observe Veterans Day:

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Ft. Sill - Nov.10

Ft. Sill will have its Veterans Day observance on Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Kerwin Auditorium inside Snow Hall, building 730, which is located on Schimmelpfennig Rd. Guest will include guest speaker Coral Punch, Veterans of Foreign Wars state junior vice advisor, the winner of the local Voice of Democracy essay contest, who will present their winning essay and Maj. Gen. Brian McKiernan, who will deliver closing remarks.

Comanche County Veterans Council - Nov.11

The Comanche County Veterans Council will present it ceremony on Friday, Nov 11th at 11 am at the America's Wars Monument on the east side of Lake Helen at Elmer Thomas Park. The site is just uphill from the Korean Wall Memorial. Nate Slate, state president of the Association of the United States Army will be the guest speaker.

Cameron University - Nov.11

On Friday, Nov. 11, Cameron University, in conjunction with Sodexo will begin the day by serving a complimentary breakfast to active duty military and veterans from 11:30 am to 1 p.m. in the Shepler Cafeteria. The breakfast will be followed by the Comanche Battalion, Cameron University's award-winning Army ROTC unit, who will signal the start of the university's ceremony by posting colors, followed by the national anthem, performed by the Centennial Singers. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. The anthem will be followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of active duty military and veterans.

The tradition of the National Remembrance Roll Call will be continued after the moment of silence, reading the names of local active military and veterans who have passed since the last Veterans Day. Then Maj. Gen. Brian McKiernan, commanding general of the Fires Center of Excellence will speak about the significance of Veteran's Day. The ceremony is open to the public, and will take place in Veteran's Grove on the north side Howell Hall. The Office of Career Services will also be offering complimentary resume assistance throughout the day to veterans.

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Sunset Memorial Gardens - Nov.11

At 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, State Representative Ann Coody will be the guest speaker for Sunset Memorial observance, located at 8900 Cache Rd in Lawton. The Lawton Rangers will present colors and retired Sgt. Maj. Paul Cherry will lead the tribute to America's fallen heroes.

Comanche Indians Veteran's Association - Nov.11

The 40th annual Veteran's Day Celebration and Powwow will be presented by the CIVA, on Nov. 11 beginning at 2 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. at Watchtaker Hall. The ceremony will include honoring local veterans who have served in all branches of the U.S. Military, including Fred Codynah, Clifford Keith Red Elk, Tyrus Mahsetky, Lawrence Quoyah, Matthew Tafoya, Dustin Chrismon and the late George L. Hunt.

Armed Services YMCA - Nov.11

The Armed Services YMCA, in conjunction with Arvest Bank, will host a Veteran's Day reception and art contest at the Armed Service Y at 900 Cache Rd. from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guest speaker will be attorney Sue Dorfel.

Of course there will more ceremonies through out Veteran's Day. If you are aware of any ceremonies that have not made our list, please contact Seth Coburn at seth@klaw.com so they can be added to the list.

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