Each November 11, communities around the nation celebrate veterans of the U.S. armed forces with parades, memorials and observances, in recognition of what was formerly regarded as Armistice Day.
Armistice Day signaled the cessation of hostilities of World War I, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, and was officially recognized in 1954 as Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. We’ve culled some of the North Shore’s upcoming Veterans Day celebrations, and there’s a way for everyone to honor America’s heroes.
What: American Red Cross blood donation
Where: Various locations
When: Through November 15
How: The American Red Cross invites eligible donors to schedule an appointment to give blood in November in honor of those who have served the country in the U.S. armed forces. All blood types are currently needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative. To schedule an appointment or to view all upcoming Cook County blood donation opportunities, visit the event site or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
What: Winnetka Veterans Day Observance
Where: Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
When: Monday, Nov. 11, 5–6 p.m.
How: The Village of Winnetka will pair with the Hadley School for the Blind for its annual Veterans Day Observance. Chuck Young, president of the Hadley School and a veteran himself, will speak about the Blinded Veterans Initiative, which was launched in 2011 to educate and inspire blind and visually impaired veterans to pursue their personal and professional goals. Other speakers include Urban Miyares, Hadley’s special advisor for veterans and entrepreneurial initiatives, and Army Captain Carrie Hoza. For more information, contact Kate Streit at 847-784-2751 or kate@hadley.edu.
What: Kids Rank Military Book Corner Opening
Where: Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park
When: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
How: To celebrate National Military Families Month and to honor veterans and their families, the Highland Park Public Library (in conjunction with Kids Rank) is opening a special area highlighting resources for military families. Whether you are actively serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves, or you or a loved one is a veteran, the public library has great resources to stay connected, reconnect or transition from a military to a civilian community. Kids Rank provides military children with the opportunity to further develop their emotional, physical and intellectual social skills while strengthening their connections to other military children and their communities.
For another opportunity to recognize the efforts of local veterans, join Glenview mom Kirsten Bergin in her campaign to build a Naval Air Station museum and interactive STEM learning center on the former airbase. Through Bring It Home, Glenview, Bergin aims to reignite interest in Glenview’s military history and educate children on aviation and local history.
Photo: Kids Rank
