Residents of Somerset have been honoring our veterans and celebrating Veterans Day for more that 80 years. The earliest record that Peggy has found so far is a November 7, 1937, San Antonio Light newspaper ad in the sports section announcing a RODEO at Somerset, Texas on Armistice Day, Thursday, November 11. The “sponsor, Jay Rowland,” was said to be”under the personal direction of, W. T. “Zack” Miller.” Admission for adults was $.40 and for children $.25.
Following World War II, a brushfire of sorts began on the Korean peninsula. From Summer of 1950, one nasty war was fought. In July, 1953, a halt in the shooting was agreed upon – an Armistice. Note: no peace treaty followed and to this day, 10 Oct 2019, no peace treaty has yet been signed by any of the United Nations or Korean combatants.
Somerset residents were ready to celebrate the return or possible return of many sons and daughters from that Korean War and its support. Somerset ISD Superintendent William “Bill” James served as Chairman of the Veterans Day Committee and planned “Big Doings” ( I think we’d, rather I’d say “Big Doin’s” today.) The news post (above) ran in the San Antonio Express of October 19, 1953.
Bill James with his school and community team organized for 11 am, well close – 10:30 am, on November 11th a parade honoring all veterans. The date, November 11, commemorated the end of World War I…remember the 11th hour of the 11 day of the 11th month in 1918. THAT was the Armistice Day that the nation and state of Texas commemorated for 30+ years. The parade honored veterans as well as the Somerset community. It was led that year and each following years by the Somerset band . Somerset’s Parent-Teacher Association was active that year in preparing both a luncheon and a Mexican food supper. Not to be outdone, the Somerset Lion’s Club sponsored a stock show with farm/ranch implement display. Later in the afternoon football ruled with Lytle and Somerset meeting in two, count ’em: 2, dos, II, football games. One was played between the two grade schools and a second High School game was played at 8:PM. Life was good.
Today we still carry on that heritage of a celebration involving veterans, football, parades, good food, and fun. But do we know how or why our November Homecoming celebration got started? DO we know why we still try to pick a date nearest to November 11? Do we remember WHY we honor our veterans at dignitary functions and ask them to allow us to honor them in our parade? I hope this is a reminder that we will not forget what our ancestors and veterans set into motion for Homecomings this year, 2019, and in the future. For the last century, led by our schools, our community of Somerset has done wonderful things to honor the service or our veterans, especially in the month of November. Let’s continue that tradition. It’s a good one.
Other veteran honorees receiving honor Quilts sewn by Somerset area quilters were: Mr. Cecelio Flores, our Homecoming Parade’s Grand Marshall; Mr. Gilbert B. Reyes; Leo Luebano.
