Veterans Day is a Federal Holiday set aside to commemorate the loss and sacrifice of all Americans who have served in the US military... those who have died fighting for our freedom, those who are now fighting... and those who will continue to fight in the future.
Celebrated on November 11, honoring veterans of the U.S. armed forces and those killed in battle. Originally called Armistice Day, it began as a commemoration of the ending of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.
After World War II it was recognized as a day to pay tribute to all service members, and in 1954 it was designated as Veterans Day. It is usually observed with parades, speeches, and flowers placed on military graves and memorials. The holiday is called Remembrance Day in Canada and Remembrance Sunday on the Sunday nearest to November 11 in Britain.
Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead.
Veterans Day honors ALL American veterans living and dead. Veterans Day is intended to thank living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep our country free.
To commemorate the ending of “The Great War" (World War I), an "unknown soldier" was buried in highest place of honor in both England and France. In England... Westminster Abbey. In France... the Arc de Triomphe. These ceremonies took place on November 11th, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11AM November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day became known internationally as "Armistice Day".
In 1921, the United States of America followed France and England by laying to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier... his name "known but to God"... on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," and today is called the "Tomb of the Unknowns." Located in Arlington National Cemetery... the tomb symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran.
In America, November 11th, officially became known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress in 1926. It wasn't until 12 years later through a similar act that Armistice Day became a national holiday.
The entire World thought that World War I was the "War to end all wars." If this had been true, the holiday might still be called Armistice Day. That was destroyed in 1939 when World War II broke out in Europe. More than 400,000 American service members died during that war.
In 1947, Raymond Weeks of Birmingham Alabama organized a "Veterans Day" parade on November 11th to honor all of America's veterans for their service. Shortly after, Congressman Edward H. Rees of Kansas introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars.
In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day calling upon Americans everywhere to commit themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration... now called the Department of Veterans Affairs... to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day.
Congress passed legislation in 1968 to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However... it became obvious that November 11th was historically significant to many Americans and in 1978 Congress reversed itself and returned the holiday to its traditional date.
At exactly 11AM each November 11th, a color guard made up of members from each of the military branches renders honors to America's war dead during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.
The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony... including a "Parade of Flags"... by numerous veterans organizations takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb.
Veterans Day is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week it falls. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is always held on Veterans Day itself, even if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Veterans... Thank You For Your Service!!!!!
