The History of Veterans Day

November 10, 2010

Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, the day we honor those who have served in our nation’s wars. Originally known as Armistice Day, this holiday was created by Congress in 1938 to celebrate the end of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson had originally recognized the day in November 1919, and coined the phrase Armistice Day.”  Here’s a quote from his proclamation:

“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…”

World War I famously ended with cessation of hostilities at the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” although the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until June 28,1919. There had originally been a two-minute moment of silence observed at 11:00a.m on Armistice Day.

In 1954 Congress changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.  It was believed that all veterans, and particularly those who served in World War II and the Korean War, should also be honored this day.

According to  the CRS Report for Congress, the “holiday was dedicated to the cause of world peace,” and as such was to be “regarded and observed throughout the land as a day to honor the veterans of the First World War who fought, and especially those who died, for that cause.” The holiday is recognized in many nations throughout the world.

I posted about this holiday last year, and focused more on the constitutional issues involved in recognizing what are commonly referred to as “national holidays.” See this post for more information.

The United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs website provides details on the celebrations and activities scheduled. The site also contains a good history of Veterans Day, as well as information of interest to all veterans.

{ 1 comment }

Sharita November 11, 2010 at 11:10 pm

Good night, Happy veteran’s day!!!

We simply just need to wish America’s twenty five million old soldiers a happy veteran’s day. In addition lets me personally quote veteran’s day quote which I really really like:

“I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot .. .. – Gary Hart”… .

In case you actually need to get information about Veterans Day festivities, deals, its own The historical past, movies and even more, Military.com provides an excellent web-based repository with everything else to assist..

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