With the Eighth (Golden Arrow) Infantry Division in Germany Private Reynard W. Maltsberger of Marysville stands at attention as Maj. Gen. William G. Wild Bill Weaver, commander of the Eighth Infantry Division, pins on an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star Medal. Maltsberger, a medical aidman with the 121st Infantry Regiment, was wounded during an attack but refused to be evacuated. He remained with his company during the four days which followed, exposing himself to withering fire. He was wounded a second time while trying to reach a wounded doughboy and was sent to the rear for treatment.

The Marysville Globe
April 5, 1945

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of military briefs like the ones reprinted here have appeared on the pages of The Marysville Globe and The Arlington Times over the past century telling the stories of the men and women of north Snohomish County who have answered the call to service in the nations military.
Whenever their country called they traveled to distant shores to fight, and in some cases to die, defending America and what it stands for. And they are still answering that call, as young men and women today join Americas all-volunteer forces. The sacrifices are many, the rewards are few, but on Sunday, Nov. 11, Americans can recognize and honor their service.
America honors those who have served with the national observance of Veterans Day Nov. 11. Unlike Memorial Day which honors and remembers those military personnel who died in the service of their country, Veterans Day is the day set aside to celebrate all those who served honorably in the military in wartime or peacetime. It is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated and to underscore that all who have served have sacrificed and done their duty.
Veterans Day had its beginnings as a way to commemorate the end of World War I when, in 1926, Congress enacted a resolution which stated, in part, Whereas Nov. 11, 1918 marks the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals … it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations. In 1938, Congress declared Nov. 11 in each year a legal holiday known as Armistice Day.
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after WWII had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in the nations history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word Armistice and added the word Veterans thus making Nov. 11 a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
In that same year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called upon all Americans to observe Veterans Day saying On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
Since that time, American military personnel have fought in other conflicts such as Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, Desert Storm and are now fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Locally there are a variety of activities scheduled to commemorate Veterans Day. Arlingtons Veterans Day Parade is Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m., on Olympic Avenue and the American Legion and V.F.W. dinner will be at 1 p.m. in Legion Hall, free to vets and $5 each for friends and family.
In Marysville, veterans will be honored at a Veterans Day chili luncheon. American Legion Post 178 is hosting the free chili luncheon to honor all veterans from noon until 3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 12 at the Post Hall located at 115 Cedar Ave., on the corner of Second Street and Cedar Avenue in Marysville. The event is open to the public.
Veterans are responsible for many of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans today. Take some time on Sunday, Nov. 11, and honor all of those who answered the call to serve in the nations military they deserve our thanks and our gratitude.

An army casualty report issued last week includes Sergeant Levi J. McConn, whose wife, Mrs. Helen B. McConn, resides at route one, Arlington with Mrs. Jack I. Wampler. He was wounded in action while serving in the army in Europe. Other Snohomish County men included in the casualty report are PFC Joe T. Smith, son of Mrs. Thomas E. Smiith, of Lake Stevens. He was also wounded while serving in the Army in Europe. PFC Donald B. White, son of Mr. and Mrs Herbert White of Snohomish was injured while serving in the Marine Corps. PFC Marvin R. Van Buskirk, son of Mrs. Ada Mae Van Buskirk, route one, of Edmonds, was wounded in action while serving with the Army in Europe.

The Arlington Times
Jan. 4, 1945

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