Veterans Day is an important holiday commemorating the service of men and women in the United States Armed Forces. It is a time to remember the fallen and honor those who have served our country.
The History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day was initially called Armistice Day and was established to mark the end of World War I. On November 11th, 1918, representatives from Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside of Compiegne, France. The agreement went into effect at 11 a.m.—the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the month.” In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day, a day dedicated to “the cause of world peace.”
In 1938, Armistice Day became a national holiday in the United States. In 1954, after veterans’ groups lobbied for the name to be changed to Veterans Day, Congress passed legislation changing the holiday’s name. Veterans Day is now observed on November 11th every year.
How to Observe Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, take some time out of your day to remember and honor those who have served. Visit a war memorial or cemetery, fly the flag at half-staff, or attend a local Veteran’s Day parade or event. Most importantly, if you know a veteran, thank them for their service.
