IN 1918 on the eleventh day of November at the eleventh hour, the dust settled and the world was no longer at war. Armistice Day, later known as Veterans Day, signaled the end of the first world war. Soldiers could go home and countries could rebuild after four years of brutal fighting.
Today, we know Armistice Day as Veterans Day. It commemorates the valiant efforts of those, in all branches of the military, who fought for our freedom and still continue to fight for it. This day is a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives on behalf of this country, celebrate those who are still fighting, and honor those who are still here but are unable to fight anymore.
Here in Bedford County, we hold an annual Veterans Day parade in honor of the many veterans who make up our county. Every year, people line the streets of Shelbyville as the veterans walk through them. It’s a time of celebration and appreciation for their victory, sacrifice, and honor. We look back on the memories of those within the county who served for the United States.
Last year we honored veteran Oscar William Metcalf. Metcalf was a Vietnam veteran who lost his life to cancer on October 18, 2020. Around the time of the parade, there was a service held in honor of him and during this service, the family was given a Quilt of Valor, an Agent Orange Medal of Honor, and a USS America Zippo Lighter, which was a replica of the ship he sailed on during the Vietnam war.
We make sure to honor those who have served, as well as their families. The parade this year will be held on November 7th. If you would like any more details on the parade go to the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Make sure you are there to celebrate the many veterans in our community. In order to continue supporting our veterans outside of Veterans Day, be sure to donate to the DAV of Shelbyville to help support disabled American veterans in Shelbyville. -GN
