The Origins of Veterans Day
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 in the morning, an armistice, or agreement to stop fighting, went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany. The timing was very specific: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first Armistice Day to remember the sacrifices made during the Great War. Congress officially made Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938.
From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
After the United States fought in World War II and the Korean War, many people felt that the holiday should honor veterans of all wars, not just World War I. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This expanded the holiday to honor all American veterans from every branch of the military and every conflict. For a few years in the 1970s, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, but this change was unpopular. In 1978, Congress moved it back to November 11th, where it remains today.
The Branches of the U.S. Military
Veterans Day honors people who have served in any of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Army is the oldest branch, founded in 1775, and is responsible for land-based military operations. The Navy protects the seas, while the Marine Corps specializes in rapid response and amphibious operations. The Air Force, which became its own branch in 1947, handles air and space defense. The Coast Guard protects the nation’s coastlines and waterways. The newest branch is the Space Force, established in 2019, which focuses on operations in outer space.
How Americans Celebrate Veterans Day
There are many ways that Americans honor veterans on November 11th. Parades are held in cities and towns across the country, with the largest taking place in New York City. At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, a special wreath-laying ceremony is held every year. Many communities hold special programs at schools, churches, and government buildings where veterans are invited to share their stories. The moment of silence at 11:00 AM is observed by many Americans to remember the exact time the World War I armistice took effect.
Veterans Day Around the World
Many other countries celebrate their own version of Veterans Day on or around November 11th. In the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the holiday is called Remembrance Day, and people wear red poppies to honor those who served. The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance because of the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian soldier John McCrae in 1915 during World War I. In France, November 11th is a national holiday marking the armistice. Although the holiday has different names around the world, the purpose is the same: to honor the courage and sacrifice of military service members.
Why Veterans Day Matters
Veterans have played an important role in protecting the freedoms that Americans enjoy every day, including the freedom of speech, the right to vote, and the ability to practice any religion. More than 18 million veterans live in the United States today, and millions more have served throughout the nation’s history. Many veterans face challenges when they return home from service, including injuries, health problems, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Veterans Day is a reminder that these men and women deserve our respect, support, and gratitude for the sacrifices they have made.
How You Can Honor Veterans
There are many ways that kids can show their appreciation for veterans. Writing thank-you letters or drawing pictures for veterans at local hospitals or retirement homes is a thoughtful gesture. Attending a Veterans Day parade or ceremony in your community is another great way to show support. You can also learn about veterans in your own family by asking grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives about their military service. Some schools organize special projects, like creating care packages for active-duty service members overseas. Even a simple “thank you for your service” can make a veteran’s day brighter.
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