On Nov. 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to the country on the first Armistice Day. Now known as Veterans Day, this is a time to pay respects to those who have served in the military. On this day, we stand united in respect for our Veterans.
When first celebrated, the day marked the end of WWI, formally recognized on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month” in 1918. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries by marking the anniversary of the end of WWI. Major hostilities of WWI formally ended at this time when the truce with Germany went into effect.
The original concept for Armistice Day was for a day observed with parades and public meetings, and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m. President Woodrow Wilson made the following proclamation to commemorate the holiday:
“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.”
In 1954, Congress passed the bill proposed by U.S. Representative Edward Rees that President Eisenhower signed, proclaiming to change the name of the holiday to “Veterans Day” after the urging of Veteran organizations nationwide to account for all Veterans of all wars.
In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Monday Act ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day. This bill moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued celebrating the holiday on its original date. With much confusion, the first Veterans Day under the new law was observed on Oct. 25, 1971.
Four years later, on Sept. 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law that returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978.
There is no “correct” way to celebrate Veterans Day. The holiday is traditionally observed with local parades, celebrations and other gatherings.
There are plenty of ways to honor Veterans, wherever you are. Some ways you can celebrate from home include sending cards to Veterans you know. Sending a card is an excellent way to show someone you’re thinking about them, wish them well or are proud of them. It’s a thought-provoking and meaningful way to show your appreciation for a Veteran in your life. Alternatively, you can show your support at a Veteran-owned business, donate to a local Veteran support group, verbally thank a Veteran in your life or ask them about their service.
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