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An Overview of Veterans Day Observances

Many Americans erroneously believe that Veterans Day was proclaimed a holiday to honor American
military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. Memorial Day is
actually the day America set aside to honor America's war dead.

Veterans Day honors all American veterans, both living and deceased. Veterans Day is actually intended
to thank our living veterans for their dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11th of each
year is the day that we ensure our veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have
made in their lives to keep our country free and safe in times of war.

World War I - The War to End all Wars

World War I was a European battle against the mighty forces of Germany. This war was much larger
than anyone anticipated and was called The Great War. WWI began in 1914 and ended in 1918. Many
soldiers on both sides forfeited their lives and as a result, the war was declared The War to End All Wars.
On November 11, 1918, a truce or Armistice was declared on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th
month.

Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 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.

Armistice Day Declared a National Holiday

Twenty seven states gradually made Armistice Day a legal holiday. In 1938, the U.S. Congress declared
November 11 a National Holiday.

World War II and Veterans Day

In 1939, the year after Armistice Day was declared a national holiday, World War II began. This war
involved countries outside of the European Theater and was so large that it made World War I look
small in comparison. WWII ended after six and a half years, however, it wasn’t until 1954, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was himself a World War II veteran, proclaimed November 11 as Veterans
Day.

The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

Because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, introduced in 1968, Congress elected to change the date
of Veterans Day in 1971. Congress proclaimed the holiday to be celebrated on the second Monday of
the month, but there was universal public outcry to the proposed change. People felt that the date of
November 11 was much too significant to be celebrated on any day except November 11th. In 1975,
President Gerald Ford changed Veterans Day back to its traditional date of November 11th.

In 1947 the first "Veterans Day" parade was held on November 11th to honor all of America's veterans.
Shortly thereafter, legislation was introduced to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in
order to honor all veterans who served the United States during wartime.

Veterans Day National Ceremony

At exactly 11 a.m., each November 11th, a color guard, made up of members from each of the military
branches, bestows honors to America's war dead during a moving ceremony at the Tomb of the
Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The President places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugle
sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony, including the historic Parade of Flags, takes place inside the
Memorial Amphitheater.

American Military personnel can take great pride that they serve their country in times of strife. They
have shown discipline, courage and strength during their life experiences in the military. On November
11th, please honor our military veterans, past and present, for putting their lives on the line for our
freedom. Let them know they are appreciated and loved for their sacrifices.