The year was 1947.  Only two years prior, the United States and her allies had emerged victorious from six long years of war.  A World War II veteran and resident of Birmingham named Raymond Weeks organized the first celebration using the term “Veterans Day”.  The celebration, a parade through the city of Birmingham, took place on November 11, 1947.  It wasn’t until 1954 that President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into effect a bill changing the Federal holiday’s name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Today, more than seventy years later, Birmingham is still home to the National Veterans Day Parade.  The Boy Scouts of America have a long and rich history with the Veterans Day Parade, with members serving as flag-bearers, and Troops, Packs, Ships, Posts, and Crews all participating in this annual event.