Centennial celebration set for Armistice Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War I ended. This Sunday, the centennial anniversary of the event, a tribute will be held in Hot Springs.

Hosted by the Arkansas Hospice Foundation and Gross Funeral Home of Hot Springs, the event will start with the ringing of the bell in front of the funeral home. David Edwards, of Arkansas Hospice, said they are hoping the local churches in

Hot Springs will join in on the tribute and also ring their bells at 11 a.m.

“We would love to have all the local churches ring their bell to celebrate the blessing of freedom,” Edwards said.

Following the ringing of the bells, there will be a ceremony. Edwards said because of the possibility of rainy and cold weather, the ceremony will be held indoors in the chapel of the funeral home beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The keynote speaker at the ceremony will be Col. Nathanial “Nate” Todd, director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. The event will also feature a color guard, music by Marc Bremer, and military hero David Elmore will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Edwards said the reason for the event is to both educate people about the war, and to honor all veterans.

“Some gave a lot and some gave all to allow us to celebrate this (event),” Edwards said.

All veterans and their families, as well as the public, are encouraged to attend the event, which is expected to last about an hour. Finger sandwiches will be served.

Following the event, representatives from both the funeral home and Arkansas Hospice will be available for questions.