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The History of Veterans Day

By Lisa Shaheen

Since we have many Veterans and family members of former service people, I feel it is necessary for us to better understand why and how Veterans Day became a National Holiday.

Veterans Day, was originally known as Armistice Day, and was set as a legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11th, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11th was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” Therefore, this holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars in 1968 Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October.

Finally, on September 20, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a law returning the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11th, where it has been observed since.

Many confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day which honors service who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries during battle. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime.

When you meet someone, who has served our country please thank them for their service.