Davidson Parks and Recreation and the American Legion Post 86 are organizing the 15th Annual Davidson Veteran’s Day Observance Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on the Village Green (rain or shine). This year’s keynote speaker is Army Col. Mike Puckett.

Col. Puckett is the senior Army instructor for the JROTC program at Hopewell High School. He joined the Army in 1968, training as an infantryman. He served a tour of duty in the Republic of South Vietnam as an infantry squad leader with the 4th Infantry Division from 1969-1970. He has served in various leadership positions from squad leader and platoon leader, to company commander. He has held high level staff positions in major Army and NATO headquarters as well as on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Navy War College. His last assignment on active duty was as an Associate Professor of Leadership at the National Defense University. Colonel Puckett retired in February 2004 after 28 years of service in the Army and Army National Guard.

Color guards from American Legion Post 86, the Davidson College ROTC, North Mecklenburg High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Hopewell High School Army Junior ROTC will present the colors.

Davidson Mayor John Woods will open the ceremony with welcoming remarks. Invocation will be given by Dr. Bill Cain, Pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church. Master of Ceremonies is John Washam Commander of American Legion Post 86.

A 21-gun salute will be presented by The American Legion Post 86. Patriotic songs will be sung by our local talents and “Taps” will be played. Students representing Woodlawn Middle School will place the “Wreath of Remembrance.” A flag folding ceremony will be held in which we will learn the meaning in each fold of the American Flag. Our National Anthem will be sung by Oliver Highman.

Veteran’s Day evolved from the Old Armistice Day ending WWI in 1918. The Armistice was declared on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m. It was to be the war that ended all wars, but as we all know, it didn’t end all wars, and today it has changed to “Veteran’s Day” to remember and honor veterans of succeeding wars.