Elkslogo1Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown Elks Lodge 995 will again honor the nation’s military veterans on Nov. 11 with its annual Veterans Day observance social. All U.S. military veterans are invited to attend.

The event will be at the Elks Lodge, which is located at 324 2nd Ave. SW, and will begin about 4 p.m., although the registration table will be open earlier.

Free refreshment tickets and a special Veterans Day gift will be given to all U.S. military veterans who are wearing all, or at least part of their uniform. Those veterans will also be eligible to participate in a number of door prize drawings that will be made during the evening. Those in attendance may also bid on a number of veteran-type collectors items which will be sold by silent auction or raffle method.

The evening’s events will begin about 5 p.m. with a special Veterans Day invocation by the Rev. Matt Zimmer from First Church of the Nazarene, Jamestown.

Next, the gathering will be treated to a concert by the Jamestown Drum and Bugle Corps. Music selections will have a patriotic theme.

After the conclusion of the concert, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Joe Larson will unveil his special Veterans Day selection of hors d’oeuvres for all to sample and enjoy.

The history of the observance of Veterans Day goes back to the ending of World War I, which officially ended on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. A congressional declaration made Nov. 11 a national holiday on June 6, 1926. On May 13, 1938, the November date became known as “Armistice Day.” On June 1, 1954, the Nov 11 date became a date to honor all veterans of all wars.

On June 28, 1968, Veterans Day was changed to the fourth Monday in October, starting in 1971. On Sept. 20, 1975, Veterans Day returned to Nov. 11 and has continued to be observed on that date.

The Jamestown Elks has held a Veterans Day observation since the early 1950s.