Lots of Big Brass - Veterans Day 2025

Veterans Day is tomorrow. Do you know why Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th? Perhaps you’re already aware, but we didn’t know. Previously known as Armistice Day, the date commemorates the end of World War I on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. This national holiday was signed into law in 1954 by President Eisenhower, and its name was changed to Veterans Day, honoring all American military veterans, not just those from WWI. My grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, nephew, brother-in-law, and of course, David are all members of this elite group being honored on this day.

Then, by act of Congress in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. Due to public outcry over the date's historical significance, the date was returned to November 11 by law in 1975, with the change taking effect in 1978.

Interestingly, but certainly not surprisingly, “Great Britain, France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and II on or near November 11th. Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.”

One tradition of Veterans Day, in addition to parades and local celebrations, is the official wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery

We frequently borrow e-books from our local library. When looking for a new book to read recently, I happened to see the library’s list of upcoming events, which included a Sunday afternoon Veterans Day Concert performed by the Las Vegas Brass Band. We decided to attend.

I must admit, when I read the program and saw flugel horns and cornets, I had to stop and think of exactly what they were. David used to play the French horn so he was better acquainted with the brass, but even he had to think twice about the euphonium.

In addition to my musical instrument education, we thoroughly enjoyed the concert. It was excellent! These accomplished musicians, their shiny, dazzling brass instruments at ready, are all volunteers and get together solely for the love of playing and performing. Some are physicians, some are professional musicians, and some are retired professionals. There’s something about brass bands, especially when they’re playing patriotic songs, that gets your heart thumping and your spirits up. The band began with the Star-Spangled Banner. Everyone stood, hands on their hearts, and there was nary a dry eye in the house.

As the concert continued, the audience was hooting and clapping, singing and tapping their feet, and positively enjoying themselves. It appeared the band was enjoying themselves, too.

Las Vegas Brass Band - Outstanding!

The concert ended with an Armed Forces Salute playing songs from every branch of the military, asking veterans from each branch to stand as their song was played. A standing ovation at the end of the tribute elicited an encore… ‘Star and Stripes Forever’. If that didn’t get everyone on their feet!

Despite the current turmoil, divisiveness, and dissidence in our country, the audience was one … no partisanship, just Americans proud to be Americans and proud of our veterans.

Happy Veterans Day!