Vets in Humboldt County Want to See Community Member Celebrate Veterans Day Differently

ARCATA, Calif. (KIEM)- Many Humboldt County residents showed their support for the men and women who served this Veterans Day by raising their American flags at the Arcata Plaza. Many of them said they want to honor veterans everyday by waving flags and observing them at every community event.

“I’m eager to recognize the bravery and commitment that veterans showed by going to horrific places for people all over America. Men and women have died for me and this county. They need to be honored,” said Chip Sharp, retired Humboldt County resident.

“The 11th day of the 11th month is a day everyone at war came together for peace. This is a day to always remember the importance of peace,” said Joanne “McGretta”, Peace Veteran.

However there are many veterans who say they are grateful for the support they receive from the community but they would rather see people participate in marches and movements instead of shopping for sales. Richard Gilcrist is an Army Veteran who served from 1963 to 1967. He said he wants to see the Arcata community view this day to remember peace, not war. 

“I’d like to call it Armistice Day instead of Veterans Day because Armistice Day was set up after the First World War to celebrate peace. Veterans Day was produced in 1959 and it sounds to me to celebrate war,” said Gilcrist.