Historically, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, marked the actual end of fighting between the Allies and Germany during World War I. This was known as Armistice Day and became an official holiday in 1926. Although it wasn’t the official end of World War I, November 11, 1918 was a date of historical significance to many Americans. On June 1, 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. Veterans. In 1968, legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. This lasted for 10 years until Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
During Veterans Awareness week, the citizens of Shasta County recall the men and women who served our Nation in the armed forces and are reminded that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice. Shasta County along with communities throughout our Nation wish to recognize our veterans for the sacrifices they made defending freedom around the world and pay deep respect to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Some of these recognition events include the Veteran’s Day Parade in Shasta Lake on November 5, 2016 and the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo performing events with the presentation of colors, guest speakers and live music on November 11, 2016. We embrace this opportunity to remember their families and their loved ones who have also sacrificed. Therefore, it is with great pride that we honor our veterans by proclaiming November 7-13, 2016 as Veterans Awareness Week.
The Women's Army Corps (WAC) Veterans Association is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that abides by the principles of the Constitution and the government of the United States of America. Mrs. Irene Castro, a service member of the last WAC unit deactivated in 1978, founded the Shasta County Chapter. The Chapter has been as high as 24 active members and currently has 10 members. The membership represents all women who loyally served their country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf Bosnia and in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Shasta County members of the Women's Army Corps have held the ranks of officers, warrant officers, NCO's and enlisted women who were the heart of the women's tradition in the United States Army. The Shasta County members continue to be active in the local community by assisting veterans and Veteran organizations in need, while honorably representing the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, The Women's Army Corps, and those who have served or are serving honorably in the United States Army, the United States Army Reserve or the Army National Guard of the United States, are eligible for membership in the Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association.