November 11 is Veterans Day. It is a National holiday to honor those who have served in our military.
It is called Veterans Day because we are showing respect for our veterans. It is not Veterans' Day or Veteran's Day.
Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day originated to honor fallen service members. They are the ones who did not come back alive.
It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the truce called months before the actual end of World War I. The truce began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson declared a celebration for November 11 for parades and speeches to begin at 11:00 AM.
In 1926 Congress passed a resolution stating that "the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations". Twenty-seven sates had already designated November 11 as a holiday. With the signature of the President it became a national holiday. The United States flag was to be flown on all federal buildings. Schools and churches and other gathering places were encouraged to participate.
In 1938 Armistice Day became a recurring holiday to honor the veterans. In 1954 at the urging of service members Congress amended the 1938 Act to include veterans from all wars not just World War I. That same year President Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day.
The Uniform Holiday Bill was signed in 1968. Trying to extend holiday time off several holidays were to be celebrated on Mondays. The first observation of Veterans Day on the fourth Monday of October in 1971. It was so confusing that President Ford changed it back to November 11, 1975.
Traditionally there are parades, speeches, and other celebrations on November 11. Government offices are closed. The President will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.
This year most places will not have the conventional parades and gatherings. COVID-19 has restricted a lot of public activities. Maybe next year.
My father was a proud veteran of World War II. Several other family members have served our country. On Veterans Day I will remember them all.
It was Armistice Day for most of my life and I prefer to think of it as unchanged. The war to end all wars...
ReplyDeleteWe wish.
DeleteMy husband, a Vietnam War Era veteran, will miss not having his free lunch at Applebee's this year. He was lucky that he was never sent into battle but he is so proud to have worn the uniform of our country. It is still in his closet.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my brothers served during Vietnam. One did not come back alive. The other was stationed at the DMZ in South Korea. Thank you to your husband.
Deletethank you for sharing this informative post with us dear Emma
ReplyDeletei i could have not differentiate the both holidays indeed ,we celebrate our fallen soldiers on sixth of September
it is important to remember those who kept us "free" and "safe"
it is such an honor that many of your family members have served in arm Emma ,i feel sad that my eldest brother did not continue it for personal reasons though he could have choose better
blessings to you and family!
Your brother deserves praise for serving for whatever amount of time he served. It is a shame that any country needs to have armed forces to protect them.
DeleteThanks Emma for this information and we both had similar posts to mark the date. So many observances were cancelled in this time of covid, including the annual downtown celebration here. Still, we remember those who served in our hearts and minds, like your father and brothers and many others.
ReplyDeleteAs you know from your comments section I saw your post. It was most informative with a lot of great pictures.
DeleteGod bless all who served and kept our country safe.
ReplyDeleteSadly, the traditional parade and placing flags this year did not take place, either.
I'm hoping we can do it right next year.
Delete