World War I ended 100 years ago this Sunday, in 1918, on what became the day America celebrates its veterans.
Originally called Armistice Day and now marked as Veterans Day, tradition calls for commemoration at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month (November). Here are three places to observe the Armistice Day centennial in Georgia, two of them in metro Atlanta.
National Infantry Museum near Columbus
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center holds an interdenominational service at Inouye Field. The commemoration will include an artillery barrage followed by silence at 11:11 a.m. Representatives of various nations that fought in the war will place wreaths and a bugler will play Taps.
The event will also include the presentation of the flags of the participating nations -- the United States, Britain, France, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Germany and Italy.
10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, Ga. 706-685-5800, www.NationalInfantryMuseum.org
Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center hosts the official state of Georgia commemoration for the peace treaty ending World War I. The History Center’s event includes ringing the Bells of Peace 21 times. Billy Wells, chair of the Georgia World War I Centennial Commission, will speak. The ceremony includes a bagpipe player and the presentation of the colors by the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution. Atlanta Opera soloist Timothy Miller will sing the National Anthem. Additional musical selections will be performed by the The 116th Army National Guard Band Brass Quintet.
In addition the bell ceremony at the History Center, Oakland Cemetery near downtown Atlanta will also ring its Bell Tower bell during the 11th hour on Sunday.
11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Ga. 404-818-4000, atlantahistorycenter.com.
The Atlanta Veterans Day Parade
The Georgia Veterans Day Association hosts this annual parade on the day before Veterans Day, beginning at 11:11 a.m. Saturday on Peachtree Street near Ralph McGill Boulevard. The parade continues down Peachtree before ending at Centennial Olympic Park. 2018 marks the 37th year for the Atlanta Veterans Day Parade.
11:11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill/ Ivan Allen Boulevard, Downtown Atlanta, Ga. 770-480-8820, georgiaveteransday.org.
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Atlanta Constitution front page from Armistice Day 1918
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