World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany 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.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…“

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:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918 marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far-reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans’ service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation,” which stated: “In order to ensure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA’s General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989, when VA was elevated to a cabinet-level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee’s chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations, and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Source: Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. (2015, July 20). History of Veterans Day. In U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Donald Shono, of Rubicon, found Moraine Park after serving in the United States Air Force Security Forces for six years. In 2011, he decided to end his active-duty service after experiencing a decline in his mental health.

Shono served in the 2nd Air Force Security Forces Squadron and had one deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served his last year with the Barksdale Air Force Base Honor Guard.

“The Security Forces Squadron was not my first choice, but it gave me the opportunity to join within a month of enlisting, and I didn’t want to wait,” Shono said. “I had an interest in law enforcement at the time, so it was not a difficult choice.”

Security Forces is an Air Force Special Forces unit that provides base security, law enforcement and an infantry force; the Base Honor Guard conducts ceremonial events such as local veteran funeral services and base award ceremonies.

“I joined the service because I felt I needed to do something more with my life that was bigger than myself and something I felt truly mattered, but eventually, my mental health needed to become a priority,” he said.

When he returned home, Shono began researching ways to heal his mind and body. In 2013, he started working as a massage therapist at a spa in Slinger, WI. He worked there for three years before moving to Spotsylvania, VA, where he continued his career for five years.

During the pandemic, Shono moved home to be closer to family. Since he was already working in a health and wellness career, he decided to use his time at home to further his education.

Shono enrolled in Moraine Park’s Health and Wellness program and attended his first semester classes on the West Bend Campus in fall 2021.

“I chose Moraine Park because it was one of the only schools that offered the path to health and wellness I was looking for,” Shono said. “I am really happy with my experience so far and cannot wait to see what the future has in store.”

After receiving his associate degree, he plans to become certified as a health coach and personal trainer to expand his career opportunities.

My time in the military was really stressful and took a big toll on me mentally,” Shono said “I am pursuing health and wellness because I want to heal myself and help others do the same.”

Shono is involved in the West Bend Health and Wellness Club. Outside of school, he enjoys staying active, hiking and spending time with his family.

“Looking back on my time in the service–it is not all good memories,” Shono said. “I am really grateful to Moraine Park for opening me up to a new way of thinking and caring for myself.”

Read more stories like Donald’s in our Spring 2022 NEXT Magazine.

(Sourced from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history)

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2022 will occur on Monday, May 30.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

The Birthplace of Memorial Day and Early Observances

The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries.

By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

Did you know? Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

It is unclear where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. And some records show that one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations was organized by a group of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

Waterloo—which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

Memorial Day Traditions and Rituals

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem. On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend—the long weekend comprising the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Memorial Day itself—unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

History.com. (2022, May 16). Memorial Day. In History Channel. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history

Last week, Moraine Park Technical College hosted their 5th annual Veterans Hail and Farewell Ceremony, celebrating 40 graduating veterans. The event was held in Park Terrace, Moraine Park’s student-led restaurant on the Fond du Lac campus.

The event was established to recognize graduating veterans and allow staff and faculty a chance to interact with graduates outside of the classroom. There were five graduating students in attendance accompanied by members of their families. Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park’s President, presented each student with the college’s challenge coin (see below) and a red, white, and blue cord to wear at Commencement.

“The Hail and Farewell Ceremony is an opportunity to recognize veterans and currently serving students who have graduated in December or will become eligible in May,” Stephen Pepper, Moraine Park’s Student Veterans Specialist, said. “It is especially significant if they cannot go to the commencement ceremony or feel uncomfortable attending the event.”

Jovan Sanders, of Sheboygan, was the guest speaker at the event. He spoke about his life growing up in Milwaukee, joining the forces, working as an Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist from 2006 to 2013; to currently working as a Load-Out Manager for Amazon.

“I thank you for your service and for selecting Moraine Park as you transition or advance into your career, and I look forward to shaking your hands as you walk across the stage next Saturday,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park President, said.

Immediately following the ceremony, the guests were served an all-American style meal consisting of fruit salad, fried chicken, steak, twice-baked potato, corn, asparagus, sweet tea, and dessert. The lunch was planned, cooked, and served by culinary student, Destiny Smith, who will be graduating this May.

In honor of Veterans Day, now is an excellent opportunity to learn about our American Flag and the rules and recommendations to display our nation’s symbol of freedom appropriately.

Moraine Park is committed to our military-connected individuals, and this year we would like to honor its employees who have served by exchanging or providing an initial 3×5 outdoor flag of their own.

Design

The United States American flag has 13 alternating horizontal stripes—7 red and 6 white, and a union (the blue field) that consists of white 5-pointed stars equaling the number of states in the Union. According to custom and tradition, white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag and the language within the federal code clarifies that the flag is a living symbol, so the following are some guidelines to displaying, folding, and disposing of our nation’s flag.

Occasions and Display Basics

The universal custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, a flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. When possible, the flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement unless an all-weather flag is used.
If you choose not to display your flag regularly, here is a list of some of the occasions considered appropriate to fly the U.S. flag –

New Year’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and any other days which may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill, balcony, or front porch, the Union or stars should be placed at the staff’s peak, unless the flag is at half-staff. If the flag is hung over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the Union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

When displayed on a speaker’s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker; when displayed from a staff, the flag should be at a position of honor at the speaker’s right as they face the audience with no other flags. Finally, if the flag is displayed on a wall, either horizontally or vertically, the Union should be uppermost and to the flag’s right, or that is, to the observer’s left. The same is appropriate when the flag is displayed in a window, with the blue field to an observer’s left in the street.

Things NOT to do with the American flag:

• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be used as clothing, bedding, or drapery.
• The flag should never be part of a uniform, but a flag patch or lapel pin can be part of a police or other uniform.
• The flag should not be used to cover a statue or monument.
• The flag should not be used to cover a ceiling.
• Advertising banners should not be hung from the same staff as a flag.
• The flag should never be used as a decoration. Instead, bunting with blue on top, white, and red is the appropriate patriotic display option.

Flag Disposal

You may often contact your local VFW or American Legion Post, the Girl Scouts, or Boy Scouts of America if you would like assistance with proper flag disposal. Otherwise, a fire must be relatively large and of sufficient intensity to ensure the complete burning of the flag. Note: Make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

1. Place the flag on the fire.
2. Individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
3. After the flag is completely consumed and the fire has been safely extinguished, the ashes should be buried.

Correct Method of Folding the U.S. Flag

Caring for your flag

The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics, dull colors, and cause wear, but damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed, and indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned only, and many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S. flags during June and July. Store your flags in a well-ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning compounds, and if your flag gets wet, never store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases, and dampness ruins fabric and causes mildew.

To obtain more details about our nation’s flag, or receive a pdf copy of “Our Flag,” the complete guide to the U.S. Flag, please send your request to spepper1@morainepark.edu

Moraine Park Technical College has earned the eighth spot on the Military Times Best for Vets college rankings as a Midwest, 2-year College. This honor recognizes colleges across the country for their commitment to educating and providing opportunities to America’s veterans.

Moraine Park has made this list for more than six years and serves as one of two technical colleges in Wisconsin to earn a place on this list. The Military Times surveys colleges and universities annually, and more than 350 schools participated in the latest Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges survey, which seeks details about the school’s costs, programs, policies, and services that impact military-connected students. Federal data from the U.S. Departments of Education, Veterans Affairs and Defense, were also considered.

“The College is committed to making sure every veteran who steps onto our campuses are provided everything they need to be successful,” Steve Pepper, student veteran specialist said. “I truly believe having someone our veteran students can turn to who can speak their language or understand some of their frustrations is important to their college experience and overall success.”

Moraine Park offers many programs that qualify under Veteran Administration (VA) benefits, with flexible scheduling options. The College is continuously working to maintain a culture that supports the challenges that veterans may encounter.

“This nationwide recognition confirms the proactive work Moraine Park has been doing,” Lt. Col. Scott Lieburn, U.S. Air Force, and dean of students at Moraine Park said. “As both a veteran and current active-duty service member, I am thankful to be part of a team of staff at the college that truly cares about creating and preserving a supportive campus culture for our student veterans.”

The College also ranked 31 among all public colleges and universities in the Midwest and 38 among all colleges and universities in the Midwest.

The “Military Times Best” ranking is published in the Military Times magazine and is available to subscribers, as well as online at MilitaryTimes.com and other affiliated websites.

Moraine Park Technical College, in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 351 of Appleton, will host their annual event, Reflections of Vietnam, virtually on Monday, March 29.

The presentation is free and consist of a panel discussion with Vietnam veterans who will focus on the history, politics, and legacies that were part of the Vietnam experience, as well as their personal recollections. The event will also include a video of the traveling 80-foot display of artifacts, equipment, and memorabilia.

Over the last several years, this educational event, typically offered in-person, has traveled to many high schools, colleges, and local events.  As a result, over 25,000 students, faculty, and community members have been educated on what took place during the Vietnam War.

The virtual session will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m, and interested individuals can obtain the virtual link by contacting Steve Pepper, veterans specialist, at spepper1@morainepark.edu or 920-924-3489.

For more information, visit blog.morianepark.edu.

Veteran’s Day was a very special experience for twenty-one Veterans residing at the St. Francis Home campus in Fond du Lac this year.

Steve Pepper, Moraine Park’s Student Veteran Specialist, and one of the Student Veteran’s Club advisors arranged and participated in a Zoom video call with the veterans and several students and staff from Moraine Park. Nathan Evrad, one of Moraine Park’s academic advisors, even created personalized video greetings thanking the Veterans for their service.  He stated, “As a fellow military veteran, I want to thank you for your service and let you know that you are not forgotten.” During the call, the veterans reminisced about basic training, their jobs while serving, flying overseas for duty, and even pesky chiggers.

Due to COVID restriction, some residents had not seen each other in a while, so it was great to see some veterans talk among themselves during the call. Before the event, donations of chocolates, snacks, puzzles, and other goodies were collected. Staff at St. Francis home filled patriotic bags that morning and handed them out after the call.

Which included a surprise of a specially designed “I Served” pin and Moraine Park’s military challenge coin.

Anne Lemke, Student Community Impact Coordinator, had this to say about the event: Thank you so much for this wonderful extra special effort! My Dad loved his “interview” with Steve Pepper… and the goodie bags, especially the black licorice.

“When it was over, Steve remarked, “What a great day, and thanked all of the staff at the St. Francis Home who made this Day possible. Hopefully, things will get back to normal next year, and the college will be able to visit with the veterans in person.””

For additional information regarding veterans’ events and benefits, please contact Steve Pepper at 920-924-3489 or spepper1@morainepark.edu

Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars, and Veterans Day 2020 occurs on Wednesday, November 11. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day.

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, marking the official end of World War I. Nonetheless, the armistice date of November 11, 1918, remained in the public imagination as the date that marked the end of the conflict. One year later, in November 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day’s observation included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business and school activities at 11 a.m.

On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution that the “recurring anniversary of [November 11, 1918] should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations,” and that the president should issue an annual proclamation calling for the observance of Armistice Day. By that time, 27 state legislatures had made November 11 a legal holiday. An act approved May 13, 1938 made November 11 a legal Federal holiday, “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’”

American effort during World War II saw the greatest mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force in the nation’s history (more than 16 million people); some 5.7 million more served in the Korean War. In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The next development in the story of Veterans Day unfolded in 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees—and encourage tourism and travel—by celebrating four national holidays (Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day) on Mondays. The observation of Veterans Day was set as the fourth Monday in October. The first Veterans Day under the new law was Monday, October 25, 1971; confusion ensued, as many states disapproved of this change, and continued to observe the holiday on its original date.

In 1975, after it became evident that the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Gerald Ford signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th beginning in 1978. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively. Government offices are closed on Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day—a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

History.com Editors. (2020, October 9). Veterans Day 2020. In History. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day#:~:text=The%20first%20Veterans%20Day%20under,holiday%20on%20its%20original%20date.