Veterans Day

On November 11, 1918, the armistice to end fighting between the Allies and Germany went into effect. It is remembered as the agreement that was signed at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, in the 11th month. World War I, known as The Great War, had ended.

President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1919 designating November 11 as Armistice Day in the United States. It was to be a day of remembrance for the sacrifices that men and women made during World War I. On Armistice Day, soldiers marched through the streets of their hometown. Speeches were made by politicians and veterans who gave thanks that the world was at peace.

Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day. In 1953, the townspeople of Emporia, Kansas decided to change the name to Veterans Day. Congress passed a bill renaming the federal holiday to Veterans Day.

In 1968, the Congress passed a law changing the commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. The date was changed again when President Richard Nixon declared it a federal holiday on the second Monday in November in 1971. The holiday underwent another date change when Congress realized the historic significance of November 11 to American veterans. Congress change the observance date back to November 11 in 1978.

Veterans Day is celebrated by states and cities throughout the United States. In other countries, this same day November 11, is observed as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. At 11:00 am on November 11, a moment of silence is observed to remember those who fought in wars for peace.

There are not as many parades as there used to be. After the Vietnam War, the focus shifted. Many veterans gather at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D. C. They stand in a quiet vigil at the names of their friends and relatives who died in the war.

The observance of Veterans Day is a way for Americans to remember all the men and women who have given their lives out of love and loyalty to their country, no matter the war they served in.

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