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It was two minutes before World War I was to officially end, but that didn't stop Pvt. Henry Gunther from storming a German machine gun position. He was shot dead, the last American soldier to die in the four-year conflict.

The Allies and Central Powers had already decided that the war was over on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., which is why VFW Post 3596 conducts the annual ceremony at that time, said Ron Kilbury, commander of Post 3596.

"We gather here today at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, of the year two thousand twenty-three to place this wreath in remembrance of those who have served this great nation before us; to honor those who now serve this great nation; and to salute those who stand by them, in times of peace, and in times of war. May none ever be forgotten. And may God bless this great nation," said Kilbury, who served in the Navy for six years and the Army for 20 years, retiring in 2010.

Army veteran Hunter Fielders laid a wreath at the foot of the flagpole in the military section of Plains Cemetery, the final resting place of numerous service members, including Army veterans that date back to World War I. "It was an honor to be able to show my respects and to be able to further a tradition for everybody that served in the military," said the 32-year-old Fielders, who served in the Army's airborne infantry for 13 years, getting out in 2013.

The ceremony was conducted by a dozen members of Post 3596, along with American Legion Post 52 Commander Ken Matthiesen and Post 52 member Al Aschenbrenner. This was the fourth year that the VFW conducted a Veterans Day event. Only two people from the community, Scott and Dede Johnson of Plains, showed up for the ceremony last year, but this year they were among the nearly dozen community members to show up Saturday. "We hold this ceremony each year to remember and celebrate the service of all veterans. Their sacrifices help to preserve our heritage of freedom, and should not be forgotten," said Kilbury.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first Armistice Day to honor servicemen killed in what was also known as the "Great War." In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day to pay tribute to all U.S. military men and women, dead or alive.

"This is to remember those who have come before us, but Veterans Day is also to celebrate those who are still living," said Heather Allen, the club's quartermaster and a veteran of the Air Force.

The VFW also held an anniversary party at the club Saturday evening. The festivities included a dinner, music and several drawings, including a Savage 17 rifle with ammunition won by John Davies. One hundred and sixteen people, including 31 veterans, attended the event. The free lasagna dinner was prepared and served by the Post 3596 Auxiliary members Angela Muse, Janet Brandon and David Brandon.

Debbie Ellis won a $150 McGowan Grocery card, a $50 Bucks Grocery card and a Henry .22LR VFW tribute rifle. Door prizes also included: 1/2 beef by Carl Pope, $150 Plains Travel Center gas card by Howie Inks, and a $50 Bucks Grocery card by Kim Hofland. David Brandon Won the VFW Life Membership or Legacy Upgrade Certificate. Allen said they started the door prize drawings ‪at 9 p.m., but they had so many, they didn't keep track. She guessed ‬that at least one-third of the attendees and half of the veterans won something.

The VFW also had nine other drawings. Marley Chambers won a Daisy BB gun. Jennifer Reinstadler won a wine basket. Randy Evans won a Mike's cooler. Ron Kilbury won a handmade tote with a candle. Clint Decker won a Bud Light cooler. Dan Risland won a chair/towel combo. Sidney Connolly won a popcorn/movie combo. Chad Thomas won a candle warmer. David Brandon won a barbecue set and barbecue sauce and a lantern/flashlight set.

Post 3596 will also hold a flag retirement ceremony behind the VFW on the evening of Dec. 7. The public is invited.