Veterans Day is a national holiday in the United States that honors all American veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, whether in war or peace. It is celebrated every year on November 11, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died while in service to their country.
The history of Veterans Day dates back to 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, a day of thanksgiving and prayer for the end of the Great War. The first official observance of Armistice Day was held at Arlington National Cemetery, where an unknown American soldier killed in the war was buried with full military honors. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution to make November 11 a legal holiday, and in 1938, it became a federal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace.
However, after the outbreak of World War II and the Korean War, which mobilized millions of American soldiers and claimed thousands of lives, some veterans' organizations advocated for a change in the name and purpose of the holiday. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that officially renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day and expanded its scope to honor all American veterans of all wars. Since then, Veterans Day has been a day to pay tribute to the men and women who have served their country with courage and patriotism.
Veterans Day is also observed in other countries under different names, such as Remembrance Day in Canada and the United Kingdom, and Armistice Day in France and Belgium. These countries also mark November 11 as a day to remember the fallen heroes of World War I and other conflicts. In many places, people wear red poppies as a symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae.
Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a day to honor the sacrifices and contributions of those who have worn the uniform of the United States. It is a day to express our gratitude and respect for their service and dedication. It is a day to remember their stories and celebrate their achievements. It is a day to say thank you to our veterans for protecting our freedom and democracy.
Sources:
- [Veterans Day 2023: Founding, Fact & Meaning - HISTORY](https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day)
- [Veterans Day | History, Meaning, & Facts | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Veterans-Day)
- [Veterans Day Facts - Data, Populations & Background - HISTORY](https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts)
- [VETERANS DAY 2023 - National Today](https://nationaltoday.com/veterans-day/)
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