Reagan Presidential Library honors all varieties of veterans with flyover, music and speakers
The Reagan Library has been closed since the early days of the coronavirus outbreak in March, but Ventura County granted permission for the outdoor event, attended by 100 invited guests — all following health-department protocols — comprised of active military, veterans and their families.
The Tiger Squadron performs a flyover to during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning in Simi Valley. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, though closed to the public during the pandemic, hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, a socially distanced hybrid event that honored all branches of the U.S. military.
The event at the Simi Valley landmark featured a flyover of military jets, live musical entertainment and speakers, all livecast on YouTube.
The Reagan Library has been closed since the early days of the coronavirus outbreak in March, but Ventura County granted permission for the outdoor ceremony, attended by 100 invited guests — all following health-department protocols — comprised of active military, veterans and their families.
Speakers included Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a former Navy Seal, and Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Simi Valley, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot who represents the 25th Congressional District, where the Reagan Library resides.
Veteran Bob Bermant attends the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning in Simi Valley. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
The Tiger Squadron performs a flyover to during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning in Simi Valley. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Guests look on during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning in Simi Valley. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Congressman Mike Garcia was on hand to speak during the Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning in Simi Valley. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Congressman and former US Navy Seal Dan Crenshaw was the keynote speaker at the Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Veterans pose for a photo during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
The Royal High School Alumni Band performs patriotic music during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Leon Waldman and John Duffy (r-l) reminisce before the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley Wednesday morning. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Veterans reminisce with one another during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning in Simi Valley. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Members of President Ronald Reagan Marine Corps League Detachment #597 prepare to present the colors during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley Wednesday morning. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Invited guests sit in a socially distant manner during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning in Simi Valley. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Veterans from Wings Over Wendy’s pose for a photo during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Veterans pose for a photo during the annual Veterans Day Event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Wednesday morning. Although the Reagan Library is closed to the public, the Reagan Foundation received special permission from Ventura County to hold its event live and in-person for 100 invited guests, made up of active military, veterans and their families.(photo by Andy Holzman)
Veterans Day has its roots in a proclamation issued by President Woodrow Wilson in November 1919, a year after World War I ended, designating Nov. 11 as Armistice Day. States soon started declaring Nov. 11 a legal holiday.
Congress made it a federal holiday in 1938, dedicated to the cause of world peace.
In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress, at the urging of veterans service organizations, passed a law renaming Armistice Day Veterans Day. From 1971-1977, Veterans Day was held in late October. A 1975 law returned it to Nov. 11, beginning in 1978.
“America’s veterans have fought to defend our country, its values and its interests since the first days of our founding,” President Donald Trump said in his Veterans Day proclamation. “They have defeated tyrants, eliminated terrorists and secured freedom at home and abroad.
The president added: “Their courage and fortitude in the face of adversity serve as an example for all Americans. On Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to all who have proudly worn our nation’s uniform. These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen selflessly placed lives, well-being and security of others before their own. We enjoy the privileges of peace, prosperity and freedom because of our veterans and we are forever indebted to them beyond measure.”
