Local entertainment and excursion company owner Michael Embrey of FunME Events gave Sycamore Rotarians an historical and personal overview of Veterans Day during this week’s meeting. Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to honor persons who have served in the Armed Forces. It traces its history to Armistice Day which marked the end of World War I when hostilities were formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month of 1918. Embrey noted that following World War II, major U. S. veteran organizations urged the day of remembrance be expanded to celebrate all veterans. Congress passed a bill supported by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Veterans Day holiday was established in 1954.
Embrey, who came to DeKalb as Show Band Director for NIU, served in the U. S. Air Force as a musician and arranger for their Band/Drum and Bugle Corps. However, he said his earliest recollection of a military performance was when he was asked to play “Taps” at age 14. Since then he has personally played “Taps” at more than 1,000 military funerals. The song itself has its origins with the Civil War when it was introduced as a signal for the end of a day or “lights out.”
Embrey also gave insight into other military traditions, such as the 21 gun salute used for a President; the three volleys of seven shots used for a funeral based on the traditional battle signal that fighting had ceased allowing dead and wounded to be recovered; and the ceremonial 13- triangle folding of a flag. Embrey noted the importance of these various traditions to honor the service of those who served in the Armed Forces.