On November 10th this year, we will celebrate and pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed to keep America free. If you are a veteran, or the family member of a veteran, we extend to you our deepest gratitude for your sacrifice on our country’s behalf. We want to take a moment to share the history of Veterans Day, and ways to celebrate the nation’s veterans and thank them for all they have done to keep the American dream alive.
The History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day is designated as the day our nation acknowledges the hard work and sacrifice of American men and women in the armed forces throughout our history. While you may see ads and fliers for sales and such, Veterans Day is actually a day of somber reflection on what some among us have given in defense of our country. We owe these men and women a debt of gratitude. But how did the notion of a dedicated day come about?
Armistice Day
The seeds for Veterans Day were planted during World War I. The conflict had been raging for several years, and in 1918, an agreement was reached that fighting between the Allied forces and Germany would end on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. The Treaty of Versailles was signed seven months later in June 1919. World War I was a particularly bloody and violent conflict, and the relief it was finally over was met with jubilation.
Later that year, President Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day. He stated in a speech commemorating the occasion: “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, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” (source: Veteran’s Administration Website)
Armistice Day was observed with parades and public meetings, and observing a moment of silence at 11:00 am on that day.
Interesting fact: The United States did not officially recognize the end of World War I until 1926.
From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
November 11th was declared an official holiday by Congress in 1938. Armistice Day was originally set aside to honor the veterans of World War I, but after World War II saw the United States pull together the largest mobilization of forces in its history, veterans service organizations urged Congress and expand the day to include the celebration of all our nation’s veterans who served during armed conflicts, replacing ‘armistice’ with ‘veterans.’ The resolution was passed in 1954.
November 11th, 1954 marked the first official Veterans Day in the United States, honoring all American veterans – both living and past – for their service.
Thank a Veteran
As a Korean War Army Veteran, I can say that one of the most meaningful ways to show your gratitude to those those willing to give up everything to preserve our country’s freedoms and rights is to hire a veteran. To learn more about how to truly help veterans, go to Hire Heroes USA.
If you are a veteran, THANK YOU. If you are the family member of a veteran, we thank you, too. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Regional Events and Discounts
Many businesses offer discounts and deals for our nation’s veterans on Veterans Day, or on a regular basis throughout the year. Head to Military.com to find something near you. After all you’ve done for us, the least we can do is give you a free car wash or meal. The history of America is a story told truly through the history of Veterans Day. Thank you.