Veterans Day, on Nov. 11, marks a time to remember and honor the deceased and living veterans who bravely fought for the United States.
Veterans Day became a federal holiday in 1938, originally known as Armistice Day. Now deemed a holiday, Nov. 11 is a day dedicated to the cause of world peace. Prior to this, it was recognized to some extent.
In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
Veterans Day was originally celebrated with public parades and meetings, while working was suspended after 11 a.m.
In 1954, following World War II, veterans service organizations urged Congress to amend the act that created Armistice Day and replace the word “Armistice” with “Veterans.” This change was made so that Nov. 11 would be a day to honor American veterans of all wars, not just World War I.
It wasn’t until 1968 that the Uniform Holiday Bill was passed and ensured a three-day weekend for federal employees to celebrate the four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day. This bill was meant to encourage individuals to travel and engage in recreational and cultural activities while also stimulating greater industrial and commercial production. Although many states did not agree with celebrating these holidays on Mondays and continued to celebrate their original dates.
In 1975, President Ford signed Public Law 94-97 which returned the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11. This action was favored by a majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
As noted by Public Law 94-97, if Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, then either Saturday or the preceding Friday may be designated as the holiday. If it falls on a Sunday, then it is typically observed on the following Monday. Legally, two minutes of silence is recommended to be observed at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Former President, Barack Obama, shared in a speech at the White House, “The person you pass as you walk down the street might not be wearing our nation’s uniform today. But consider for a moment that a year or a decade or a generation ago, he or she might have been one of our fellow citizens who was willing to lay down their life for strangers like us. And we can show how much we love our country by loving our neighbors as ourselves.”
Veterans Day is a crucial holiday as it honors the brave men and women who fought to defend our country in multiple wars. Nov. 11 is a day to pay respects to those who have passed on, and those who are living, for sacrificing their lives for our country.
