Tomorrow, November 11, Sheridan residents will pause to honor Veterans Day, a holiday that began as Armistice Day to mark the cease‑fire that ended World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The day was first proclaimed a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 and became a legal federal holiday in 1938. In 1954 the name changed to Veterans Day to recognize all who have served in America’s armed forces.
Mayor’s Proclamation Calls for Half‑Day Closure
Mayor M.B. Camplin has issued a formal proclamation asking the people of Sheridan and Sheridan County to close their businesses at 11:00 a.m. and join the American Legion in a solemn observance. The proclamation, signed on November 10, 1919, urges citizens to set aside their usual pursuits and participate in the day’s commemorations.
Local Traditions and Historical Remembrances
Historical newspaper excerpts show how Sheridan’s community has long celebrated this day. The Sheridan Post in 1919 called for a “full meet of honor” and described the emotional farewells at the train station when young men marched off to war. The paper praised the soldiers’ duty to protect the nation’s homes, firesides, and freedoms.
In the same era, the American Legion organized exhibitions of relics brought back from the battlefields, inviting townspeople to view the artifacts and support the veterans’ social and financial endeavors. The Legion emphasized that the day should be observed with more than passing notice, urging citizens to “renew your acquaintance with the boys who traveled three thousand miles and faced death.”
Community Activities Planned for 2026
This year, local groups are planning a modest program that reflects both the historic spirit and modern appreciation for our service members. The Sheridan American Legion will host a display of military memorabilia at the city hall lobby, and a short ceremony will be held at the courthouse at noon, featuring a reading of the 1919 proclamation and a moment of silence.
Following the ceremony, a community luncheon will be offered at the Sheridan Community Center, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Legion’s veteran assistance fund. Families are invited to attend, and local schools are encouraged to bring students for a brief educational presentation on the origins of Veterans Day and the importance of honoring those who defend our freedoms.
Why the Day Matters to Sheridan
Sheridan’s history is intertwined with the sacrifices of its sons and daughters. The city’s early 20th‑century newspapers highlighted the pride of “aggressive patriots” who defended American institutions, law, and order. Today, that same pride endures as the community gathers to remember the men and women who have served in every conflict since World War I.
Mayor Camplin’s call for a half‑day pause is more than a symbolic gesture; it reflects a longstanding belief that honoring veterans strengthens the fabric of families, churches, and neighborhoods. By setting aside time for reflection, Sheridan affirms its commitment to the values of faith, family, and liberty that have guided the nation since its founding.
How to Participate
- Close your business or take a half‑day off at 11:00 a.m. on November 11.
- Attend the noon ceremony at the Sheridan Courthouse.
- Visit the American Legion’s memorabilia exhibit at city hall.
- Join the community luncheon at the Sheridan Community Center and support veteran assistance programs.
- Encourage local schools to bring students for a brief historical presentation.
Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or a resident who values the freedoms secured by those who served, Sheridan’s Veterans Day observances offer a meaningful way to give thanks and remember the sacrifices that protect our way of life.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
