Originating as “Armistice Day” in marking the first anniversary of World War I, Veterans day is celebrated nationwide on Nov.11 to commemorate and honor all veterans, active or not, who served in any war.
Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for the annual observance and the date became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to what is now known as Veterans Day in 1954.
The celebration of Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October when congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill in 1968 which went into effect in 1971. Due to the historical significance of Nov. 11, President Gerald Ford moved Veteran’s Day to it’s original date.
Chula Vista will hold a special event in observance of this holiday by the city’s Veterans Service Organization who will honor those who’ve served. The event will take place at Memorial Bowl, 3373 Park Way, on Thursday, Nov. 11 featuring Tony Stewart of the U.S. for Warriors Foundation as a guest speaker. This observance will begin at 11 a.m.
Memorial park is the city’s second oldest park dating back to 1937, which houses the Memorial Bowl, a monument dedicated to the armed forces dating back to World War II. The Veterans Advisory Commission appoints to city council a "Veteran of the Year". Last year’s recipient was John Jacobs.
Communities of Sunbow and Otay Ranch contain over 90 city streets named in honor of veterans. Locals may find Veterans Park at 785 East Palomar Street, which features the “Walk of Honor”, a paved walkway inscribed with names of veterans on each brick.
As a federal holiday, city offices and facilities will be closed on Veterans day, however trash and recycling services will be provided at their regular schedule with no delays.
