By Patricia A. Douglas
Post 911 Public Affairs Coordinator

American Legion National Vice Commander Charlie Aucoin spent the Veterans Day holiday celebrating the 76th anniversary of America's first Veterans Day.

The roots of Veterans Day are in Armistice Day, which was set aside to honor veterans of World War I. A World War II veteran from Birmingham, Alabama named Raymond Weeks had an idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans.

On November 9, Aucoin visited with five posts, which began with the Celebrating the Veteran luncheon, hosted by Graysville Post 23. He also visited Hawkins B. Carter Post 255 in Fultondale, Booker T. Oliver Post 347 in Fairfield, Shades Valley Post 134 in Homewood and Ryan Winslow Post 911 in Hoover.

The annual Weeks Memorial was held on November 10 prior to the National Veterans Awards Dinner at the Sheraton Ballroom. Aucoin and Medal of Honor recipient Melvin Morris escorted Barbara Weeks Minor, daughter of Raymond Weeks, to place the memorial wreath.

Aucoin also addressed the audience during the dinner.

The American Legion was recognized at the 76th annual National Veterans Day Parade on November 11. Aucoin joined members of the Department of Alabama leadership at the front of the parade. Eight posts – 107, 137, 171, 205, 255, 267, 338, 911 – had entries in the parade.

In addition, Aucoin toured the Birmingham VA Medical Center and the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City during his visit.