VETERANS DAY in Orange County (Shutterstock).

Veterans Day, observed annually for more than a century to honor the men and women who served in our nation’s military, started as something a little different.

Originally it was Armistice Day, noted each Nov. 11 to commemorate the ending of combat in what we now call World War One.

Many events connected to it are held at 11 a.m., which is when the guns fell silent on that day in 1918.
In 1954 a law was passed to honor all U.S. military veterans and was signed by President Dwight Eisenhower.

Veteran’s Day activities scheduled for today (Wednesday) in Orange County include:

• Anaheim: Veterans Day Tribute, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. 11 a.m. The ceremony is held at the city’s Veteran’s Monument in downtown.

• Huntington Beach: Veteran’s Day ceremony at 11 at the municipal pier, 325 Pacific Coast Highway. The mayor and the American Legion Post 133 will gather at the Pier Plaza to honor those who served their country in uniform.

• Orange: Veteran’s Day Celebration and Candlelight Walk, at Depot Park from N. Atchison St to Grand Gimeno in Old Towne, beginning at 4:45 p.m. The event will feature the laying of a wreath, an invocation, the National Anthem and other activities including the presentation of colors and recognition of veterans.

• Stanton: The annual Veterans Day ceremony will be held from 9-10 a.m. at 7800 Katella Ave. Included will be the national anthem and choral performances, a color guard and a guest speaker. For more information, call (714) 890-4270. It’s free, but registration is required.