Happy Veterans Day!

Our Community Feature by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Barbara Vickers

Veterans give us many gifts including safety, security and freedom. So how can we thank the members of our military, both past and present? Veterans Day is right around the corner, so let’s honor these service members by acknowledging the sacrifices they make and finding ways to celebrate them.

In order to honor American veterans of all wars properly, it is important to know the history of the holiday. Each year, Veterans Day is observed on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week. Why November 11th? It’s the day that signifies the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, marking the end of World War I.

Delaware County Veterans' Memorial

Originally known as Armistice Day, Congress passed legislation in 1938 to officially dedicate November 11th to the cause of world peace. In 1954, veterans and service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” The legislation was approved in June of that year, and November 11th became the official holiday to honor our American veterans of any war. Then in 1968, due to the Uniform Holiday Bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, ensuring a three-day weekend for federal holidays. However some states did not agree with this decision, so they continued to celebrate it on its original date. Finally in 1975, President Ford signed a law returning the annual observance of the holiday to November 11th.

Perhaps you know a veteran personally and you’re looking to honor them, or you want to contribute something meaningful to all veterans this year. There are many ways to do that, right here in our community. Veterans Day events like parades or local services are great ways to celebrate our local vets. The Delaware County Veterans Legacy organizes the annual Veterans Day Parade held in Media, PA, an enjoyable event for the community where you can clap and cheer as these service members go by.

Veterans Day is the perfect time to ask a veteran you know about their service. Some good questions are: What did you do in the military? How long did you serve? Why did you choose to go into a specific service branch? You may not have to say much, just listen as they tell you about their experience. You can even spend time with them in the great outdoors as the National Parks offer free admittance to all veterans on November 11th.

Delaware County Veterans' Memorial

And what better time to check in on Newtown Square’s oldest veteran, Mr. Eugene Vickers, who happens to be celebrating his 106th birthday this Veterans Day!

Mr. Vickers was born on November 11, 1915, and spent most of his younger years in Havertown. He married his childhood sweetheart, Betty, in 1944, and just two months later, he left to serve his country in World War II. Mr. Vickers entered the Navy as a Lieutenant, and was sent to Harvard for training required to serve as a Communications Officer. He was also assigned to serve as Chaplain and later as a Signal Officer on the USS Panamint AGC-13, performing assaults, capturing Okinawa and Le Shima Islands and fighting in the battles of Iwo ima and New Guinea.

Mr. Eugene Vickers with his daughters to celebrate his 105th birthday.(L-R): Beverly, Brenda, Eugene, Barbara and Betty Jean

In 1946, he returned to our area and built a home with his wife Betty in Newtown Square, where they raised their four daughters: Betty Jean, Barbara, Brenda and Beverly. Sadly, his wife Betty passed away 14 years ago, but Mr.Vickers still lives in the home they built, and he enjoys spending time with his daughters, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Perhaps you recognize Mr. Vickers. Many consider him a local celebrity after he was honored last Veterans Day with an impressive parade to celebrate his 105th birthday. Military Personnel, Police Officers, First Responders, Veterans, friends and families joined in the celebration that began at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial on West Chester Pike and continued to his home on Overbrook Drive.

The weather may have been soggy, but there was no way anyone would let it rain on that very special parade. Hundreds of well-wishers drove by as this highly decorated WWII, 105-yearold veteran greeted each one with a wave. He was dressed in his uniform, and seated in a WWII Jeep, accompanied by his lovely daughters.

Mr. Vicker’s service to our country and his incredible life story garnered the attention of our local television stations, newspapers and our very own Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine. Last November, we asked you to join us in wishing Mr. Vickers a happy birthday and thanking him for his service, and wow, did our community deliver! Mr. Vickers’ daughter Barbara said that he received hundreds of cards and each one meant so much to him.

Happy 106th Birthday Mr. Vickers

and Thank You for Your Service!

Let’s come together again this Veterans Day by sending our dear Friend & Neighbor a birthday card and your congratulations message. Address your birthday card to:

Mr. Eugene Vickers 281 Overbrook Dr Newtown Square, PA 19073

Whether it’s attending an event, supporting a veteran-owned business or simply striking up a conversation with a veteran, be sure to find a way to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all United States veterans. Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors wishes all of our local veterans a Happy Veterans Day, and we sincerely thank these men and women for their service!

Delaware County Veterans' Memorial