KANOPOLIS — Veterans from the Ellsworth VFW Post 6485 presented the annual Veterans Day program Nov. 10 to students at Kanopolis Middle School.

United States Navy Veteran and VFW Post 6485 member Melissa Taylor, commander of Post 174, gave the address to students.

She noted that in the United States, Americans make many great things, including cars, airplanes and farm equipment.

“But for me, at the top of the list is the U.S. veteran,” she said. “The U.S. Navy made me the person I am today, and my eight years in the Navy continues to shape the person I am.”

Taylor said veterans are individuals who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedoms and placed their lives on hold for each and every one of us.

“They exist to protect you, me and the American way of life,” she said. “These individuals are veterans of the United States armed forces and today we gather to honor them. Today is their day. Today we celebrate Veterans Day, and one of my favorite days of the year.”

Taylor said all veterans were once ordinary people until they heard the call of duty and so proudly answered it.

“We did this not for recognition or fame, but because we love our county so much and wanted to maintain our way of life,” she said.

Taylor said Veterans Day was originally observed as Armistice Day, the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” which marked the end of World War I in 1918.

Armistice Day would go on to be officially named a national holiday years later in 1926, then a federal holiday in 1938, yet over these years, it was always recognized as a day to commemorate the peace that resulted from the cease-fire as well as all the deceased World War I veterans who served during that time.

“That was until a Navy veteran named Raymond Weeks pointed out in 1946 that since the United States already celebrated Memorial Day in May to remember fallen military members and the end of World War II in 1945, the significance of the holiday should be expanded,” she said.

In 1947, Weeks petitioned then-Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower that Nov. 11 should commemorate all veterans living and dead — not just World War I participants.

Taylor said for eight years, Weeks continued to petition the military and Congress to change the designation of Armistice Day to a national Veterans Day to remember all veterans, both those who were deceased as well as those living who had served in one of the branches of the military.

Weeks headed a committee that was eventually successful in getting a bill sponsored and submitted to Congress by Kansas Rep. Edward Rees in 1954.

Gen. Eisenhower was president by that time, and after Congressional approval of the bill, it was signed by President Eisenhower into law on June 1, 1954.

Nov. 11, 1954, was the first recognized Veterans Day celebrated in the United States, thanks to the effort and dedication of Weeks.

Veterans Day is a chance for the rest of the country to appreciate and remember all the military personnel who have fought to protect the United States from enemies, both foreign and domestic.

“This day gives us all a precious opportunity to reflect — to reflect on what it means to be a patriot, to reflect on what it means to be a nation tested by war and to reflect on both the costs and the blessings of liberty,” Taylor said. “There can be no doubt that America’s fighting men and women have given much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who served, to all those who were injured and especially to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

She noted that thankfully, the nation has always been blessed to have strong men and women with exceptional courage — people willing and able to stand and defend America whenever Lady Liberty is threatened.

“America is the country she is because of her heroes, past and present,” Taylor said. “People who put the nation’s interest above self-interest, who put patriotism above profit and who put love of country above love of self.”

Taylor said veterans made that conscious choice to live a life of sacrifice and service for the greater cause and for America that has made all the difference.

“For me, I would make that choice again and again,” she said, “and I’m sure that the other veterans here today would say the same.”

Taylor said America’s veterans come from all across the U.S., representing the diversity and character of our great nation.

“And our military is stronger for it,” she said. “They’re leaders and volunteers, inside and outside of the service. They’re role models for all of our citizens. They want to achieve and they want to win.

“Their fighting spirit is the backbone of our great nation. They exemplify the highest standards of service — at home and abroad, on shore, in the air and on the seas, in combat and in times of peace.”

Taylor noted that today, the United States military is second to none.

“We have the most advanced technology, warships, submarines and aircraft in the world,” she said, “but the best equipment means little if you don’t have the hard-working, highly trained and dedicated workforce to bring those platforms to life.”

Taylor suggested that if students had a question about the military, they should ask a veteran.

“I’m sure they would all love to tell you about their military experience,” she said. “If you have veterans in your life, take some time and tell them thank you for their service to our county and listen to their stories about the time they spent serving in the United States.”

Taylor thanked those in attendance for taking time out of their day to recognize the many amazing veterans in the community and for allowing the veterans of the VFW and American Legion to continue to serve.

“We serve in a different way now and are so thankful we get to share our service with each and every one of you,” Taylor said.

After Taylor spoke, the KMS students presented a brief patriotic program for the veterans.

In addition to KMS, the veterans spent the day presenting programs to students at Ellsworth Elementary School and Precious Pals Preschool.