Veterans’ Day

Why do we have a Veterans’ Day?


November 11 is officially veterans’ day. It started in November 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, based on the end of WWI “the war to end all wars”.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans."

The Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to insure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Veterans’ Day is a time for Americans to remember the commitment of men and women that served their country. To honor those that served and sacrifice for the common good. This is the day Americans collectively express the country’s appreciation for their veterans.

America is the country she is today because of her veterans. Every family has military veterans and any member of a family can be one. They are the men and women in our lives that gave us life and help us live it, like our fathers, brothers, sisters and mothers. Some are war heroes who faced unbelievable challenges to survive. Some sacrificed all for their country. So, on Veterans’ Day let us not let the jangle of our daily routines over shadow what we owe our veterans for their service. Let us not forget that Veterans’ Day is a day that honors people we love.