Veterans Day is a holiday celebrated each year on November 11th honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. So how is it that Veterans Day came to be?
World War I
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28th, 1919. This marked the official end to The Great War. Although the treaty was signed in 1919, an armistice was established seven months earlier, ceasing the fight on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Because of this, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th of 1919 the first Armistice Day. In May of 1938, Armistice Day was declared a legal holiday observed as a day to honor the veterans of World War I and show a commitment to world peace.1https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
World War II
In 1945, World War II came to an end, leaving an everlasting impact on our nation. Because of this impact, veterans’ service organizations advocated for a day that would honor ALL veterans — not only those who served in World War I. As a result, Armistice Day was amended by the 83rd Congress, creating the very first Veterans Day on November 11th, 1954.2https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
Post-World War II
In an effort to implement three-day weekends for Federal employees, the 1968 Uniform Holiday Bill was signed. The bill called for George Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day to all be celebrated on Mondays. While a good sentiment, many states didn’t agree with the changes and proceeded to celebrate on the original dates.3https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11th of each year the value that our nation has placed in the history of Veterans Day and honoring the service of all veterans.
Thank you, Veterans for your service!