Veterans Day, a federal holiday observed on November 11, honors those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, it was changed in 1954 to recognize all U.S. veterans of all wars, both living and deceased. The day is distinct from Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who have died in service.  This year, on November 11, the City will hold a very short ceremony in Veterans’ Park on Main Street.  Beginning at 10:45 a.m., the City will observe the holiday by saying the Pledge of Allegiance followed with a blessing by Andrew Kinney, Chaplain of Disabled Veterans of America, and remarks from City Manager Sonja Eyler.  Retired General Nate Grass of the Army National Guard will then ring a bell 21 times, similar to a 21 gun salute and in keeping with the Bells of Peace Initiative.  The Bells of Peace Initiative is an annual remembrance held on Veterans Day during which bells are tolled at 11:00 a.m. to commemorate the World War I Armistice. The initiative began as a collaborative effort between the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission and The Doughboy Foundation to mark the centennial in 2018, but has since evolved into an annual tradition to honor all veterans. The original bell tolling began in 2014 by the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  This will be followed by the playing of taps and a couple of other patriotic songs performed by the Community Band.  Following the music, Craig Green, President of Presque Isle Historical Society, will unveil a new historical marker underneath the Hound Dog Missile on the site. The approximate 30-minute ceremony will end with a laying of a wreath on the Veterans’ headstone in the park.    The drive-through in the park will be closed during the ceremony.  The City has been given permission by two local businesses for attendees to park in their lots – Richardson’s Remedies, which abuts the park, and Star City Wellness, which is directly across the street from the park.  Snow on the ground will not cancel the ceremony.  However, if it is actively raining or snowing, the event will move to the steps of City Hall at 12 Second Street.  For more information, please contact Kim Smith, Resource Development & Public Information Officer for the City at [email protected] or at 207.764.2527.                                                                                                                            ###