MERIDIAN —     The history of Veterans Day as well as plans for the local observance were detailed by Retired Army man Jim Schwartz at the November meeting of the Samuel Dale Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

    Schwartz, who retired after 26 years in the United States Army, noted that Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, as the armistice at the end of World War I was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1818. The holiday was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.

    In 1954, President Dwight David Eisenhower – at the encouragement of veterans’ organizations – declared the name be changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars. Veterans Day is the only federal holiday still celebrated on its original date.

    The Doughboy Monument in downtown Meridian was the setting for the local Veterans Day observance, which included a silent pause at 11 a.m., as well as an afternoon parade through downtown. The Doughboy Monument is one of 78 such structures erected after World War I, and is currently one of six still standing, Schwartz said.

    Run for the Wall by Rolling Thunder, a group of veterans on motorcycles who ride for veterans, marked their 13th stop in Meridian on May 20. Six hundred riders started in California and picked up more riders along the way. By the time they reach Washington, D.C., they will number 600,000. The military will feed them during their visit in D.C. where they will visit many of the monuments of the city, Schwartz said.

    The meeting was called to order by Regent Glenda Thomas, who, along with Chaplain Robin McCarty, led the opening ritual and prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America wa led by Janet Sinyaard. Thomas led the group in the American’s Creed.

    During the business meeting, Ann Schroeder presented the President General’s Message, Caroline Wilson a National Defense Report, and Janet Sinyard presented a Flag Minute and an Indian Minute. Thomas presented a Constitution Minute.

    The minutes of the last meeting were read by Wilson and approved by the group. The treasure’s report was presented by Ruby Robinson. Robinson read a note from the Veterans’ Home in Kosciusko thanking the group for a donation. The club also received a thank you phone call.

    The chapter acknowledged the death of longtime member Marie Rawlings.

    Members were reminded to fly their flag on Dec. 7 in recognition of the day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II.

    It was announced that a nominating committee is working on a slate of officers for next year.

    Members in attendance were: Sarah Walters, Amy Briscoe, Caroline Wilson, Ruby Robinson, Apryll Sims, Lynn Selman, Ann Schroeder, Jacque Longmeier, Dorothy Shanks, LoRita Mitchum, Ethel McHenry, Janet R. Sinyard, Robin McCarty, Glenda Thomas, Rachel Keller.

    Rita Lum was welcomed as a guest.

    Refreshments were served by Jacque Longmeier, Amy Briscoe, Ann Schroeder, and Rachel Keller.

    The meeting was adjourned by Regent Thomas.