Nov. 6, 2026
City of Brevard
As November 11 draws near, I want to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day as both an elected leader and a U.S. Navy veteran. It is a day to set aside our routines, remember and thank all who have honorably served our country in the armed forces.
Veterans Day is observed on Nov.11, marking the World War I armistice that took effect in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day commemoration to honor World War I soldiers and promote world peace. In 1939, Congress made Nov. 11 a federal holiday dedicated to world peace and World War I veterans.
After World War II and the Korean War, the veteran population grew significantly. Veterans organizations called for recognition of all American veterans, not only those who served in World War I. In 1954, Congress amended the 1939 act, renaming Armistice Day as Veterans Day.
Since then, communities across the United States have gathered on November 11 to honor and thank our veterans.
For me, Veterans Day is a time to honor the hundreds of thousands who have served in our armed forces. Transylvania County is currently home to approximately 3,122 veterans—11% of our population, well above North Carolina’s average of 7.6%. I am proud that so many veterans call our community home.
Regardless of our branch, length of service, duty station or role, we share an oath to protect and defend our Constitution and our country. Our service unites us in a bond that transcends all other differences. To my brothers and sisters in service: I salute and cherish you all.
As mayor of Brevard, I am proud of our community’s commitment to honoring and supporting veterans. I am grateful to American Legion Post 88, Veterans of Foreign War Post 4309 and the Veterans Museum of the Carolinas for their year-round support and the programs that they sponsor about and for our veterans.
Each year, these organizations partner with the City of Brevard and Transylvania County to organize our local commemoration. A big thank you to the Veterans Museum of the Carolinas for taking the lead this year in organizing our ceremony and to all those who stepped up to support the effort.
I invite everyone in our community to join our annual ceremony in front of the Transylvania County courthouse on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.
Let us thank the veterans among us, remember those who never returned home and express our heartfelt gratitude to all whose sacrifices have protected the United States throughout our history.
Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof can be reached by email at maureen.copelof@cityofbrevard.com or by phone at 828-885-5613.