Evan Murray
Nov. 5, 2021
Photo Credit: iStock.com
Veterans Day is a federal holiday that occurs on Nov. 11 in the United States, honoring American Veterans who have served in the army.
When an armistice, or ceasefire agreement was held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, it meant that all of the fighting was over at last, marking the end of World War I.
In 1919, one year after WWI had ended, President Woodrow Wilson concluded that Nov. 11 would be celebrated as, ‘Armistice Day,’ with his speech.
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
It was declared a national holiday in 1938, holding the original title.
Honoring the veterans who risked their lives in WWI, it was soon changed to its current title, ‘Veterans Day,’ in 1954, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, after American Soldiers had served during World War II, thus honoring all veterans.
That same year, Eisenhower issued the first, ‘Veterans Day Proclamation.’
“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."
Having celebrated the holiday for over 100 years now, it is important to recognize this holiday, due to all the men and women who have put their lives at risk for the sake of our country.
We celebrate it out of respect for their patriotism, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the United States, and for freedom.
That is the special significance it holds for the entire nation and world, carrying the same level of importance today.