History of Veterans Day
Major hostilities of World War I officially ceased on November 11, 1918, when Germany signed a treaty with the Allied powers. This treaty is known as the Armistice that ended World War I. The then-president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, proposed commemorating the military men and martyrs of war. Armistice has been celebrated to mark the anniversary of this event every year since then. Wilson quoted, “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.”
However, the first celebrations using the name Veterans Day did not happen until 1947, when a World War II veteran organized festivities and a Veterans Parade in Birmingham, Alabama. Following this, Kansas congressman Ed Rees proposed a bill to change Armistice Day into Veterans Day. Congress passed the bill, and President Eisenhower signed to declare Armistice Day would be celebrated as Veterans Day every 11th day of November from 1954. Along with the United States, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and France also honor the military veterans of World War I and II in November.
When is Veterans Day 2023?
Like every year, Veterans Day 2023 will be celebrated on the 11th of November, Saturday. This day is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of our military veterans.
Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday?
Veterans Day is one of the 11 federal holidays in the United States. A congressional act in 1938 led by Congressman Edward Rees declared November 11 as a federal holiday. All government offices and schools are shut, and employees get a paid holiday on this day. If Veterans Day falls on a weekend like this year, an adjacent weekday (Friday or Monday) is given off.
Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
It is easy to confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day, as we celebrate both to honor military commitments. Both are federal holidays. Veterans Day is observed late in November to honor all military personnel who served and retired in the army. On the other hand, we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May in memory of the service members who have died in the military for the nation.
How is Veterans Day Celebrated?
Veterans Day is a public holiday, bank holiday, and state holiday in most states. Senior officials perform a state wreath-laying ceremony and an observance at the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. People organize Veterans Day parades in most parts of the country. Proud citizens of all ages attend these parades.
Educational institutions, schools, and colleges often invite Veterans to give a speech or spend a day with the kids and tell stories from their days in the military. Kids send out handwritten cards as a token of appreciation towards the Veterans. Furthermore, restaurants and shopping centers also offer special discounts around this day.If you encounter a Veteran on this day, do not forget to say, “Thank you for your service,” and bring a smile to their face.
Veterans Day is a day to show gratitude and respect and remember the contributions of the military in the service of the nation. The stories and experiences of veterans are humbling and fill us with great pride. To remember is the least we can do as civilians and be grateful to have lived in this great nation.
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