Veterans Honored at Events Across Cape Cod

Dedication of a Vietnam War memorial in Sandwich on Sunday. Dave Read photo.

HYANNIS – Veterans Day was marked with parades and memorial services across Cape Cod on Sunday as the community honored the men and women who have served in the military.

Many events this year focused on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

In 1918, fighting in that war ended as the Allies and Germany signed an armistice in the Forest of Compiegne.

World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when a temporary cessation of hostilities went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Brewster Veterans Day ceremonies

Brewster recognized Veterans Day with a ceremony in front of the new fire station.

Fourth Barnstable State Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown), who was among those who spoke, said the military service of the nation’s vets helps ensure our freedom.

“Raising your and committing yourself to service in the military was a brace and selfless act. One that resulted in few guarantees of where you’d be assigned, whether and where you’d be deployed,” she said.

Peake said freedoms like last week’s ability for everyone to vote were due in large part to the sacrifices made by the nation’s military members.

“America can sleep peacefully at night because of you and your service,” Peake said.

Brewster Police Sgt. Freddie O’Neal, who served for four years in the United States Marines, said being in the service was both the toughest and best parts of his life.

Field of Honor in Dennis

“One of the greatest lessons I learned is one of the freedoms that we have is often forgotten. That freedom is tolerance,” O’Neal said.

He told those attending the service that the American Dream is all about the ability have opinions.

In Sandwich, a new memorial honoring veterans of the Vietnam Way was unveiled in the center of town.

Other events took place in Hyannis, Provincetown, Yarmouth, Harwich, Dennis and Falmouth.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

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