The History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11 in the United States. It is a day set aside to honor the millions of men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. But Veterans Day did not originally begin as Veterans Day. Its story begins with the end of one of the deadliest conflicts the world had ever experienced. It Began With World War I World War I began in 1914 and eventually involved countries from around the world. Millions of military members and civilians lost their lives during the conflict. After more than four years of fighting, an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations took effect on November 11, 1918. The fighting famously stopped at: The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. November 11 quickly became a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance. Armistice Day In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day was originally intended to remember the end of World War I and honor those who had served during the war. Over time, communities held parades, ceremonies, public gatherings, and moments of remembrance. In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday. But history did not stop with World War I. America Went to War Again The United States later fought in World War II, followed by the Korean War. Millions more Americans served in the military. People began to recognize that a holiday honoring only veterans of World War I no longer represented all of the Americans who had served their country. A World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks became one of the important advocates for expanding Armistice Day into a celebration honoring all veterans. Then, in 1954, Congress officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation. From then on, November 11 would honor American veterans of all wars and periods of military service. Veterans Day Was Almost Moved There was actually a period when Veterans Day was celebrated on a different date. A federal law passed in 1968 moved several holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends. Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, beginning in 1971. Many Americans did not like the change. November 11 carried historical meaning that could not simply be moved to another Monday. Congress eventually restored the traditional date, and beginning in 1978, Veterans Day returned permanently to November 11. Veterans Day and Memorial Day Are Different These two holidays are sometimes confused, but they have different purposes. Memorial Day is primarily a day to remember members of the United States military who died while serving their country. Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, especially living veterans, while recognizing the service and sacrifices of everyone who has worn the uniform. Both are important, but they are not the same holiday. Veterans Day Today Today, Veterans Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, school programs, speeches, flag displays, and community events throughout the country. At Arlington National Cemetery, an important national Veterans Day ceremony traditionally takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Schools often use the day as an opportunity to teach children about military service, sacrifice, citizenship, and American history. Some schools and government offices close for the holiday, while others remain open and hold Veterans Day programs. The exact school schedule depends on the district. But the heart of Veterans Day remains simple. It is an opportunity to stop and recognize the people who made the decision to serve their country. Some served during war. Others served during peace. They served in different branches, different places, different generations, and under very different circumstances. They are our parents, grandparents, children, neighbors, teachers, coworkers, and members of our communities. Veterans Day is our opportunity to say something that should never become too ordinary to say: Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment to our country.

This date is shown automatically on every calendar — a specific school or district can mark itself open or closed for this holiday from its own settings.