Sears, Roebuck and Company, founded in 1886, has had its ups and downs over the years. The largest retailer in the United States until 1989, it now occasionally announces store closings. Fort Lauderdale residents wonder if Searstown on Federal Highway at Sunrise will be shutting its doors. Now they know. As of this revised posting (1/22/22/), the landmark department store announced it is closed after 66 years.
Few know the history of Sears in Fort Lauderdale; it did not begin with Searstown.
Sears opened its first Fort Lauderdale store Jan. 7, 1937 at 101 S. Andrews Ave. Mayor Lewis Moore (in office 1937-39) officiated at the event along with Chamber of Commerce President J.D. Camp. A reported 2,000 residents “thronged” to the 19,000 sq. foot store. With plenty of product lines to choose from, the store also operated an automotive department offering free tire and battery servicing to those who purchased the products at Sears. Opening day was so busy Store Manager E.E. Carroll summoned additional help to assist at registers and in the aisles.
Sears’ business continued to expand in the growing city. In 1955 the new Searstown opened at 901 N. Federal Hwy where it entered memories of current long-time residents. The transition day between the closing of the store on South Andrews and the opening on Federal was the first business day Sears had closed in the 18 years it had been in Fort Lauderdale.
Searstown, touted as having plenty of parking–and always had–was anchor store to a collection of 15 other businesses by 1958: grocer Piggly Wiggly (second largest in the center), Billet Doux Card Shop, Stevens Bakery, Dr. Harold S. Doubleday, optometrist, Pribbles Jewelry, Searstown Beauty Salon, ….. Chat-N-Nibble Sandwich Shop, ….. Deluxe Barber Shop, Monty’s 5 & 10, Gift Box, Broward Drug and Surgical Supply, the Religious Shop, Dr. William Migden, physician and surgeon, and Town Properties Realty.
By 1958, Searstown was upgraded in the Sears roster of highest revenue producers to number 75 out of its top 122 stores. I wonder how it ranks today …
Searstown closed January 2022 to make way for a $400 million mixed use project of apartments (condos?), offices and retail space by RK Developers. The project is expected to begin mid 2023. Get ready for even more traffic nightmares.
I grew up in South Florida and graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School. I hold a BA in history and a Master of Liberal Arts with a concentration in history from the University of Saint Thomas in Houston. Additionally, I have written for the Sun-Sentinel and several other South Florida newspapers.
Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day and everyday made for students across the land. To all Veterans: Thank you for your service to all Veterans!
Song and music by Karl Hitzemann
nd…
This weekend marks the 100th Anniversary of Veterans Day!
Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the signing of the agreement which ended World War I and was first observed on November 11th, 1918.
As we celebrate the uncommon valor and selfless devotion of our veterans, enjoy our performance of “Freedom Song” by the Singing Sergeants.
Join us in thanking every member of the Armed Forces for their service to this nation, those laid to rest and those valiantly fighting for the freedoms we share.
The United States Army Field Band dedicates America, the Beautiful to all the heroes of our nation, past and present, who have sacrificed so much for this country.
Featuring HooahCappella America, the Beautiful by Samuel Ward, lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates, arranged by Master Sgt. Adrian Hernandez.
Video by Sgt. 1st Class Jared Morgan and audio by Staff Sgt. Jon Pusztai.
Check out our brand new songs for 2022, “You Are the One!
Find our other patriotic free sheet music at www.restored.faithweb.com.
This is the Tussing Elementary 3rd grade class singing a sincere thank you to our brave and strong soldiers, men and women, past and current, for protecting us in times of war and peace. THANK YOU
This is a lyric video for Thankful For The U.S.A. for the Powell Elementary Veteran’s Day Program 2022.
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a tribute to military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Not to be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those who died while in service, Veterans Day honors all military veterans, including those still with us.
WHEN IS VETERANS DAY 2022?
Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. It’s a holiday honoring men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces, on the anniversary of the end of World War I.
HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY
Veterans Day, originally celebrated as Armistice Day, was first issued on November 11, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson a year after the end of World War I. The purpose of Armistice Day was to honor the fallen soldiers of the Great War for their sacrifice and bravery. Seven years later, in 1926, Congress adopted a resolution requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue annual proclamations on November 11, making Armistice Day a legal holiday.
In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans rather than just the ones who died in World War I. He led a delegation to General Dwight Eisenhower, who was all for the idea. Weeks then organized the first Veterans Day celebration in 1945 in Alabama and every year since, until he died in 1985. In 1982, he was honored by President Reagan with the Presidential Citizenship Medal. Weeks was also named the ‘Father of Veterans Day’ by Elizabeth Dole.
In 1954, Ed Rees, the U.S. Representative from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill to establish the holiday to Congress. Eisenhower, who was then the president and also from Kansas, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954, eight and a half years after Raymond Weeks held the first Veterans Day. After having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urge of the veterans’ service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word ‘Armistice’ and inserting the word ‘Veterans.’ With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The National Veterans Award was also created in 1954, first received by Congressman Rees for his support in making Veterans Day a federal holiday. Though the holiday is currently and was originally celebrated on November 11, the day was moved to the fourth Monday of October in 1971 due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Finally, on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law that returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.
The holiday is observed by the federal government on a Friday, if the holiday falls on Saturday, or on a Monday, if the holiday falls on a Sunday. Federal government closings are established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. State and local government closings are determined locally and non-government businesses can close or remain open as they see fit, regardless of federal, state, or local government operation determinations.
The United States Senate Resolution 143, which was passed on August 4, 2001, designated the week of November 11 through November 17, 2001, as National Veterans Awareness Week. The resolution called for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
VETERANS DAY TIMELINE
1919
Armistice Day
President Woodrow Wilson coined Armistice Day after World War One.
1945
Father of Veterans Day
Raymond Weeks comes up with the idea that Armistice Day should be dedicated to all veterans rather than solely the soldiers who passed away during World War I.
1954
Change of Name
President Dwight D. Eisenhower changes the name of the day to Veterans Day to honor more than one set of veterans.
1954
Above and Beyond
The National Veterans Award is created to honor outstanding veterans who made the greatest contributions to veteran organizations throughout the country.
1998
Burying an Unknown Soldier
The unknown soldier from the Vietnam War, who was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, is identified as Michael Blassie, a 24-year-old pilot shot down in 1972 on the border with Cambodia.
VETERANS DAY AROUND THE WORLD
Veterans Day is one of many days remembering the sacrifices of those who fought in a war to protect their country. Here are some other ones from across the globe
Veterans Day Around the World
Country
Holiday
Occasion
Date
Australia and New Zealand
ANZAC Day
Marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, building a national consciousness in both countries.
April 25
United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations
Remembrance Day
Observed by Canadians and other members of the Commonwealth since the end of the First World War in order to remember all those who fought and died in the line of duty.
November 11
South Korea
Memorial Day
South Koreans honor servicemen and civilians who have died for their country, the same month that the Korean War began.
June 6
Turkey
Martyrs’ Day
The anniversary of a major victory against the Allied Powers during the Gallipoli Campaign, commemorating Turks who have died for the country.
March 18
VETERANS DAY TRADITIONS
Give military-themed gifts
Most veterans cherish their time spent serving their country and one of the best ways to honor that service is to present military-themed gifts like bottle openers (apparently a ‘thing’ among vets,) wooden U.S. flags, or specially-designed pens to the veterans in your life.
Check out Veterans Day restaurant deals
Big-name restaurants are looking out for veterans-turned-foodies with Veterans Day deals on free dinners (Chili’s, Applebee’s, and all California Pizza Kitchens) as well as breakfast specials (Golden Corral restaurants from 5–9 A.M.).
Ship some cookies overseas
Remember your active service military friends and veterans’ organizations overseas with a goodie bag of cookies by Operation Cookies, a company owned and operated by veterans sending delicious, home-baked cookies to homesick military personnel stationed anywhere in the world.
VETERANS DAY BY THE NUMBERS
19.5 million – the approximate number of veterans in the United States.
9 million – the number of veterans over the age of 65.
5.06 million – the number of veterans receiving disability compensation.
2 million – the number of female veterans of those receiving disability compensation.
500k – the number of World War II veterans still living in the United States.
1.56 million – the number of veterans in California, the highest number in the country.
1.46 million – the number of veterans in Texas, the second-highest number in the country.
11% – the percentage of veterans who experience homelessness.
50% – the percentage of veterans experiencing homelessness who also live with a mental illness like PTSD.
VETERANS DAY FAQS
What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday to honor all veterans and thank them for their service.
How do we celebrate Veterans Day?
We all celebrate Veterans Day differently: some people may volunteer at veteran organizations while others may treat the veterans in their life to a special dinner!
What is the importance of Veterans Day?
The importance of Veterans Day is to celebrate and honor all of America’s veterans for their bravery, sacrifice, and love for their country.
HOW TO OBSERVE VETERANS DAY
Hire a veteran
Veterans face barriers to employment including lack of preparation for civilian jobs and unrealistic expectations for the kind of work and salary they can expect when they get home. But many leaving the military may have led troops into battle, often on multiple deployments, and as a result, they make fantastic leaders and employees.
Go for a run
Do a sponsored run for an organization like Homes for Troops, which assists injured veterans by building homes. They specialize in offering support in fundraising so that you can focus on doing the run and raising as much money as you can to support veterans.
Offer freebies for veterans
Whether you run a business or work for one, thanking veterans for their service by offering free products on Veterans Day is a great way of showing your support. Whether it’s tax return help or simply a cup of coffee, what can your business offer to thank a veteran today?
5 FACTS ABOUT VETERANS IN THE UNITED STATES
Many have served in at least one war
As of 2018, 18.2 million veterans who are still alive served in at least one war.
Female veterans
9% of all veterans in the U.S. are women.
Leading states
As of 2019, the states with the highest percentage of veterans were Alaska, Wyoming, and Virginia.
World War II veterans
325,000 out of 16 million Americans who participated in World War II, were still alive in 2020.
The Korean War
Two million veterans served during the Korean War.
WHY VETERANS DAY IS IMPORTANT
It’s a chance to thank people for risking their lives to defend America
An estimated 20% of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, according to government statistics. You’d be surprised at how much it means to veterans to feel valued by civilians for their services and sacrifices.
It’s a chance to reflect on the importance of peace
While our military is often thought of in a war context, most veterans will tell you that they risked their lives to defend our fundamental freedoms and that they value peace much more highly than war. Very few who have seen the real horror of war are anxious to rush into it, and Veterans Day encourages all of us to reflect on the value of harmony in our daily interactions and lives.
It draws attention to the challenges facing many veterans
Veterans face disproportionate rates of homelessness, deficits in educational achievement, a struggle to find employment, and often have to deal with devastating wounds. In many cases, post-traumatic stress disorder makes it hard for them to reintegrate into regular society. By understanding these challenges, we can all reach across those divides and make sure veterans have the best possible chance of having a healthy and fulfilling life after their service.
My son, Lee is A #1 in my book – my Thanks and PRAYERS for Lee and the whole crew that were with him aboard the U.S.S. Ranger… as their SERVICE was the best and like all Moms across this NATION…
“It is WONDERFUL… when your Son is able to return HOME!”
“Next going back in time… my brother, Tom McClarren… the “Paratrooper” … he just LOVES… to fall out of a perfectly good flying… nice and high… Aero-Plane…just so happy that TOM was able to make it back to the STATES… he was in service in GERMANY … when “Elvis” was stationed there… those were the days!”
“This is my brother, Denny Jr., and he has that “million dollar smile” … this PHOTO is with me and he has the best shade of red hair and freckles that came from the Irish side of our FAMILY … was stationed at “Red Stone Arsenal” … but, in this PHOTO Denny is on leave for the “HOLIDAYS” and there I am… with a ‘tidbit’ of something in my hand to eat!”
“This is a very old and well worn PHOTO of my “DAD” – Denny H. McClarren Sr. – this PHOTO was still in his wallet – when he passed away – so it did get lots of wear and tear – “Daddy” was stationed in the PHILIPPINES” – and he did sign up for three… two-year terms, and in his last sign-up term… was injured… and sent home.”
Here is a very old PHOTO – and of my husband, Lee’s … brother Al E. Aldrich .
Al served in “AFRICA” when they were running around in those “tanks” and from what I heard, surprised… that he was able to live through the mess… of fighting that was going on back then.
“This is TOM Aldrich and …. In the 1960’s… when Tom was in the Army – the K-9 group – he was in HEAVEN – he just LOVED training and working with dogs… he had special communication skills, with animals and the DOG was the best place for his talents to be used.
This is a very young TOM and his “WAR DOG, SHANE”
So to all the Veterans and to those that are in the “SERVICE” today … YOU are the ones that protect and keep AMERICA a NATION under the direction of our Almighty Creator Yahweh, a land of FREEDOM for all, and if we all will stand UNITED with our AMERICAN FLAG… flying high … above us all … and at all times remembering, that it is…
When we will all work together in unity … that we will be a NATION always protected… and forever knowing that to LOVE our neighbor … makes LIFE worth… LIVING! D.V.
Veterans Day on November 11th honors military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. The federal holiday coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which marks World War I. These observances reflect the end of significant hostilities at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany took effect. Initially, the United States observed Armistice Day as well. However, it evolved into the current Veterans Day in 1954.
Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day or Armed Forces Day. Veterans Day celebrates all United States military veterans. However, Memorial Day is set aside for remembering the men and women who died while serving. Additionally, Armed Forces Day recognizes the men and women currently serving in the United States military.
HOW TO OBSERVE #VeteransDay
Since Veterans Day is a federally designated holiday, many businesses and schools close for the day. Additionally, employers may recognize their veteran employees through special events. Throughout the day, local, state, and federal organizations host Veterans Day ceremonies.
Non-essential federal government offices close on this holiday, including all United States Post Offices. As a result, postal workers make no deliveries. Additionally, all federal workers receive holiday pay on Veterans Day. However, those who are required to work sometimes receive holiday pay in addition to their wages.
Attend a ceremony and take a veteran you know out for a meal. Organize a veteran appreciation luncheon at your work or in your community.
The United States Marine Corps customarily observes its birthday (November 10, 1775) and Veterans Day as a 96-hour liberty period.
Find Veteran’s Day deals honoring veterans on our Celebration Deals page. Also, 9 Ways to Honor Veterans gives you a full list of ways to make the most of Veterans Day. Be sure to use #VeteransDay to show your appreciation and give shout-outs to those you know on social media.
Veterans Day Spelling
It is grammatically acceptable to write or print the holiday as Veteran’s Day or Veterans’ Day. However, the United States government declared the observance using the attributive (no apostrophe) rather than the possessive case in the official spelling.
Thank a veteran and use #VeteransDay to post on social media.
VETERANS DAY HISTORY
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. At the time, he said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
“Hunger does not breed reform, it breeds madness.” ~President Woodrow Wilson
The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. The resolution requested that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11th with appropriate ceremonies. A Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’”
Raymond Weeks
In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, expressed an idea. Weeks proposed to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans who served in the U.S. military. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of National Veterans Day. Then in 1947, Weeks led the first national celebration in Alabama. Annually, the country recognized its veterans until he died in 1985. President Reagan honored him at the White House in 1982. Weeks earned the Presidential Citizenship Medal as the driving force for the national holiday. Elizabeth Dole prepared the briefing for President Reagan, calling Weeks the “Father of Veterans Day.”
1954
U.S. Representative Ed Rees from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill establishing the holiday through Congress. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also from Kansas, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954.
Congress amended this act on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.
1971
Initially, the country observed Veterans Day on November 11th. However, starting in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act required the federal holiday to be moved. Congress scheduled the observance for the fourth Monday of October. In 1978, Congress moved it back to its original celebration on November 11th. While the legal holiday remains on November 11th, if that date happens to be on a Saturday or Sunday, then organizations that formally observe the holiday will generally be closed on the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively.
Just have to let all of my family and friends, all know this… that I am now in that Seventh Heaven … and that place, where all is just so perfect… and that perfect place that everyone wants to be… but it does look like… you do have to be invited by the KING of Heaven… and just maybe… not all will be able to get here… and on time!
So… as you all remember “ME” good ole AL… to be your very good friend and partner is the great adventure of “Flying high” and wide, on all of our earthly travels… in all of those tremendous big blue skies above… want you all to know… that I am still with you … there on earth, and even more so… as I make plans to visit you, all now and then in the Spirit!
“Planning to FLY Over To See YOU”
Some days you just receive, that extra special feeling… you just know… that there is something… really right NOW… that you just got to get your whole body … soul and mind in gear to receive … and wait for no dilly dally delays of any kind … you are feeling it all the way down and into your bones… even to the bottom of your feet… you gotta just get to that fast pace of going… just as fast and even faster than ever before… as you can!
I have been given such vitality and so much enthusiasm to continue to do… all of those extra special assignments, that were preplanned just for me to do… and so NOW… I almost feel … as if I am on another extra special planet!
Just take a look at my hair… that wind is blowing me almost off my feet… just a real good thing… that I do have my extra heavy boots on… just so good to know… that they will help to keep me on the ground, while I am here… only, to take you with me…. as we travel a way up there and beyond, just for a very short while of time.
When you are flying way up here and beyond… and when the wind takes a notion to get so wound up… just as if… it were a hot and mighty hurricane … and then just trying to get you wound up in a hurry to get my attention… to get a much faster move on!
When you just love to be flying… you see all of these obstacles as top priority challenges and you just have to start working faster and keep your mind on just exactly that which, you are doing… watching out for something off base… coming in a hurry and just so off base… kind of makes… for you to start to wondering… am I taking any unnecessary challengesnowor what?
Just letting everyone know… that I am NOW up and a way up and above and now doing… all of that… which I was taught… from day one…
Just keep your eyes open and looking for me… as, I fly by… and wave!
