Veterans Day

Veterans Day is an American holiday celebrated every November 11th meant to pay respects to those who have served. 

Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day began as a holiday to honor the courageous veterans who died serving our country. The holiday falls on November 11th because it represents the day of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. In 1954, the holiday was changed to what it is known as now, Veterans Day. This is to pay respects to veterans who have served in all wars, instead of exclusively World War I. 

Unlike certain holidays, where the date changes depending on the year, Veterans Day falls on the 11th day of the 11th month every year. This is to recognize its original date, November 11th, 1918, when the signing of the Armistice also fell on the 11th hour of the day.  Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning that federal employees will not have to work on this day, to pay respects to all veterans. Many schools and colleges also close on Veterans Day. 

Many people confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The difference between these two important days is that while Veterans Day honors all veterans who have served, Memorial Day is specifically dedicated to the veterans who have died serving our country. Respect should be paid on both of these days to honor those who were brave enough to go to war and serve their country.

This past Veterans Day, Buffalo celebrated the first-ever Black Veterans Day. Keelin Berrian from 2WGRZ wrote about the celebration. He said that a gathering happened on  Tuesday the 7th near the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, with people on their hands and knees scrubbing dog tags that honor living and dead Black veterans along with cleaning the towers that stood around the African American Veterans Monument. 

November 7th is now officially declared Black Veterans Day in the City of Buffalo, with Mayor Byron Brown signing an official proclamation. The founders of Black Veterans Day chose this date for two reasons: First being that in 1775, English offered to free slaves who joined the British army during the American Revolution which allowed free and enslaved Blacks to serve on the American side of the war. The second reason was that it was the 75th anniversary of the executive order to desegregate the U.S. military. We want to give thanks to all the Veterans, living and dead, who have served in the military for protecting our country and making sure it is safe.