The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Fleet Reserves will host a ceremony in Riverhead to honor war veterans, including troops who fought in the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan, VFW Cmdr. Gene McSherry said.

The program, which starts at 11 a.m. at Court and West Main streets in Riverhead, will include a prayer service and a celebration of those who have served in any branch of the Armed Forces.

Cmdr. McSherry was quick to note that Veterans Day was originally a celebration of those who fought in World War I and is still called Armistice Day in other parts of the world, where it marks the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended that conflict.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day in the United States in 1919 and Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it a legal holiday dedicated to world peace. It was in 1954 that President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law declaring the holiday in celebration of all veterans, calling it Veterans Day, rather than Armistice Day.

In Southold, American Legion Post 803 will conduct Veterans Day services at the post grounds on Main Road at 11 a.m., according to Cmdr. Tom Reese.

Organizing for America volunteers will commemorate Veterans Day with a drive to collect household goods and clothing needed by troops and their families. Contributions of items in good condition may be brought to Dayannanda Peiris at 50 First St. in Cutchogue. To arrange for pickup of items, call Mr. Peiris at (631) 585-0242 or send him an e-mail at dayannanda@optonline.net.

JULIE LANE

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