On November 11, 2023, we celebrate the 104th Veterans Day. We all know someone who has served in the military, whether it be a grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, or cousin, and whether it was in the past or present-day. What many of us do not know, including myself, are the origins of Veterans Day and why we celebrate it.
Armistice Day – On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice, or temporary stopping of hostilities, was announced between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, which marked the official end of World War I. In November of the same year, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The observation of the day included festivities such as parades and public gatherings, and a brief pause of work and school activities at 11 a.m.
Congress Passes the Resolution – On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution that Armistice Day be a recurring holiday and that the president should annually announce its celebration. An act approved on May 13, 1938, made November 11 a federal holiday.
A Day to Honor All Veterans – America saw the greatest mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force in its history during World War II, with more than sixteen million people serving. Almost 5.7 million more people served in the Korean War. In 1954, Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, changing the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the amended act on June 1, 1954. Since then, November 11 became a day to honor veterans of all wars.
Three-Day Weekends – In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act so that federal employees could have three-day weekends by celebrating four national holidays—including Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day—on Mondays.
Setting the New Date – Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday in October, and the first Veterans Day was on Monday, October 25, 1971. Many states did not approve of this change, and they continued to observe the holiday on its original date. It became evident that the original date held historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, so in 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a new law that returned the observation of Veterans Day to November 11 starting in 1978.
Celebrations in Other Countries – Besides the United States, Great Britain, France, Australia, and Canada also celebrate their veterans around November 11th. For example, Canada celebrates their veterans with a Remembrance Day.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day – It seems each year, people are confused regarding each holiday. What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.”
In closing, Veterans Day is a holiday which was originally based upon honoring the soldiers that fought in World War I and has expanded to honoring the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and Coast Guard members who have served in the military. For many, not only have they served in the military, but they have given their time, their dedication, their health, their limbs, and in many cases, their lives in the conflicts and wars this country has been involved in since the First World War. We owe them, at the very least, this holiday to memorialize their sacrifice, and these soldiers have protected our country and our rights and freedoms as Americans, and we celebrate their service.
References
History.com Editors. (2023, November 6). Veterans Day 2023. History. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day
Veterans Day facts and information. (2023, November 3). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/facts-and-information/