While many Americans may be familiar with the celebration of servicemen and women associated with Veterans Day, how many know the history behind the holiday — it’s much more than just an opportunity to break out the grill. In fact, this particular date is steeped in history and honor.
World War I Ends
The beginning of Veterans Day actually coincided with an end. World War I came to a close on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, but the fighting had actually ceased the November before (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs). An armistice, or an agreement in which both sides agree to stop fighting, was enacted on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (History, 2018). November 11, 1918, was then cemented in history as the day that “The Great War” came to a close.
President Wilson Proclaims Armistice Day
The next year, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as the first Armistice Day in commemoration (History, 2020). “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,” Wilson said. His original vision included parades and other celebrations, as well as small-scale business closures.
November 11 Becomes a Holiday
On June 4, 1926, nearly seven years after the first Armistice Day, the United States Congress passed a resolution seeking recognition of the armistice (United States House of Representatives). Their resolution reads as follows:
“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far-reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting 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; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”
On May 13, 1938, the 11th of November was designated a legal holiday. Armistice Day was officially dedicated to the pursuit of world peace and the celebration of World War I veterans.
President Eisenhower Proclaims Veterans Day
In the 1950s, however, World War II demanded record numbers of service members (The National WWII Museum). Veterans rights organizations felt a disparity in the recognition and celebration of these brave men and women. In 1954, upon the veterans’ rights organizations’ requests, Congress chose to replace “Armistice Day” with “Veterans Day”. Thereafter, November 11 was known as an opportunity to honor service members and veterans from all wars.
On October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a “Veterans Day Proclamation” (UC Santa Barbara). It reads:
“Whereas the men and women who have served in our armed forces have contributed immeasurably to the preservation of America’s freedom and to the advancement of the goal of world peace; and
Whereas the Nation is eternally grateful to our veterans for these contributions; and
Whereas it is fitting that we set aside a special day each year to honor our veterans and give nationwide expression of our esteem for them; and
Whereas the Congress by an act approved May 13, 1938 (52 Stat. 351), as amended by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), has declared November 11 of each year to be a legal holiday and has designated it as Veterans Day in honor of our veterans and as a day dedicated to the cause of world peace:
Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Friday, November 11, 1960, as Veterans Day. Let us celebrate that day with appropriate ceremonies not only in tribute to our veterans but also in rededication to the cause of peace with honor throughout the world.
I also direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on Veterans Day.”
Veterans Day Today
Today, Veterans Day is observed every November 11th. The date remains a federal holiday, with many businesses and organizations closed in observance. The celebration seeks to cement the historical events associated with its founding, but primarily to honor the sacrifices of American veterans. These brave servicemen and women volunteer their lives on behalf of patriotism, bravery, and the greater good. We all owe them a debt of gratitude, the least of which includes observing Veterans Day.
Published on November 8, 2021
