The History of Veteran's Day

Veterans Day is an American holiday celebrated annually on November 11th. The holiday commemorates the American veterans of all wars, living or dead. The day is often filled with parades around the country. There is an official wreath-laying ceremony held every year on Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. While Veterans Day may appear to be cut and dry, it actually has an interesting history.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, officially ended World War I, which was then known as the Great War. Most of the public, however, saw November 11th, 1918 as the true end of the war. In November 1918, Woodrow Wilson, the American President, proclaimed November 11th to be Armistice Day. The day’s observation included parades, public gatherings, and a brief pause in business activities at 11 a.m. On Armistice Day of 1921, the holiday was declared a legal federal holiday with the burial of an unidentified American soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. On that same day, England buried unidentified soldiers at Westminster Abbey in London, and France buried unidentified soldiers at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

On June 4, 1926, Congress declared that Armistice Day should be celebrated with thanksgiving and prayer, among other peaceful activities. Years later, after World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. Thus, the holiday was changed to commemorate all veterans and not just those who fought in World War I.

In 1968, Veterans Day was changed to the fourth Monday in October in hopes of encouraging travel by giving federal employees three-day weekends. Many people, however, were outraged by this, since the original date held a historical significance. After disapproval by many people, President Gerald R. Ford changed it back to November 11th in 1978. If November 11th happens to fall on a Saturday or a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively.

Veterans Day has undergone many changes throughout its history. Nonetheless, the core meaning of commemorating veterans has not changed. The holiday has grown to incorporate even more veterans than it did when it was first established, and it has become a uniting holiday in the United States. Not only that, but the concept of Veterans Day also unites several nations, as England, France, Australia, and Canada all also celebrate their veterans on or near November 11th. While we may get the day off from work or school, we cannot forget what Veterans Day truly celebrates. On this Veterans Day, make sure to celebrate our nation’s veterans and all that they have done and sacrificed to keep us safe.