AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: Syracuse chapter of Veterans for Peace hosts event to reclaim Armistice Day
Dan Papillo: As Veterans Day festivities commence across central New York, NCC News’ Rena Perry has more on a push for change in Syracuse.
Rena Perry: Veteran Ron VanNorstrand says Nov. 11 was originally a day to celebrate peace, but today, the country only focuses on militarism and war. The Syracuse chapter of Veterans for Peace hosted their sixth annual Reclaim Armistice Day event this morning at May Memorial Church and hopes to change the meaning back.
Ron VanNorstrand: Reclaim Armistice Day and shift the narrative away from warriors, the veterans and war on to a goal of peace.
Rena Perry: The event featured speeches from veterans, peace activists and singing. VanNorstrand says holding events like this is crucial in moving toward their goal of peace.
Ron VanNorstrand: Are focusing beyond for young people. Especially young people coming out of high school or don’t go to college, we do this because we hope to have that impact.
Rena Perry: Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh proclaimed today will be known as Armistice Day for the sixth year in a row. Reporting live, Rena Perry, NCC News.
Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — As Central New York communities celebrated Veterans Day, some veterans continue to push for a change in Syracuse.
Veteran Ron VanNorstrand said Nov. 11 was originally a day to celebrate peace after the end of World War I, but on Monday, the country only focused on celebrating militarism and war. The Syracuse chapter of Veterans for Peace hosted its sixth annual Reclaim Armistice Day event Monday morning at May Memorial Church, aiming to restore the holiday’s original meaning of peace.
VanNorstrand said the Syracuse chapter of Veterans for Peace wants to Reclaim Armistice Day and shift the narrative away from the warriors, the veterans and war, to a goal of peace.
The event featured speeches from veterans and activists, prayers and songs. VanNorstrand said holding events like this is crucial in moving toward their goal of world peace. He said they host these events to impact the next generation of young people, especially those coming out of high school and not going to college.
For the sixth year in a row, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh declared Nov. 11 to be officially recognized as Armistice Day in the city.