By Tyler Sonderholzer
Veterans Day is an annual federal holiday that is celebrated on Nov. 11, which honors military veterans, but where does it come from?
The Origin
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, honors veterans who served in World War I. On Nov. 11, 1919, a year after the end of the war, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that “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.”
In 1926, Congress approved a resolution that requested President Calvin Coolidge to issue annual proclamations that called for observance of Nov. 11. Twelve years later, on May 13, 1938, Congress passed an act making Nov. 11 a legal holiday, a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace known as “Armistice Day.” And finally, in 1954, Congress amended the act to honor veterans in all wars and President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day proclamation.
How countries celebrate Veterans Day
Canada has Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every Nov. 11.
Meanwhile, in the United States, a wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Also, parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country.
What can I do to celebrate Veterans Day?
You can write letters to veterans or active-duty soldiers thanking them for their service or attend a veterans day event. Also ask family members or friends who served in the military about their service.
Veterans Day is a day to honor all our members in the military, dead or alive, by honoring their patriotism, love for America and their willingness to serve and sacrifice for our freedoms domestically or abroad.
