There are a number of Veterans Day celebrations located throughout the Parish on various days. Several communities will hold events commemorating those who have served in the armed forces to protect our country. 
 

• Jefferson Parish Council, Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at 10:00am, at Veterans Boulevard and Causeway Boulevard, on the neutral ground.
• The City of Kenner, Friday, November 11, 2016, at 11:00am, at Veterans Park.
• The City of Gretna, Friday, November 11, 2016, at 6pm, at the Gretna Market. 
• Woodmere Community, November 12, 2016, at 11am, at the Woodmere Community Center, 4026 Post Drive, in Harvey.
• The City of Grand Isle, the American Legion Post 309, at 11:00am, at the Grand Isle Multiplex, will parade.
• The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will recognize its Veterans with a pinning ceremony on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at 11:00am, at the Gretna Community Center, 1700 Monroe Street.
• The Estelle, Kenner, Marrero, Harahan, Jefferson Lafitte, Gretna, Bridge City and Metairie Senior Centers will recognize their Veterans with proclamation presentations.
• The Metairie American Legion Post 175, on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 9:00am will cut ribbon for the new Veterans Administration Hospital, at 2400 Canal Street.

 
Originally, Veterans Day was called “Armistice Day,” and the date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the armistice with Germany that ended hostilities during World War I.
 
The armistice, signed on November 11th, 1918, did not officially end that war, however. That came on June 28th, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. On the other hand, since the U.S. never signed the Treaty of Versailles like the other Allies, one could say that for the U.S. at least, the November 11th armistice really did end the war.
 
At first, the focus of Armistice Day was on the veterans of World War I, though it was always meant to honor all veterans of foreign wars, who risked their lives on the battle field to secure the freedoms of all Americans. Over time, with the passing away of the World War I generation and the coming of new conflicts during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, the focus on the 1918 Armistice was lost and the name of the holiday was changed. Additionally, today, Veterans Day is generally regarded as honoring all those who ever served in the U.S. Armed Force rather than only those who actually fought in a war.