The History Behind Veteran’s Day

I have proudly served this country for 21 years and I know that a Veteran is someone that has served in the Armed Forces. But I will be honest I had no idea of the history behind Veteran’s Day. Of course, my first thought was that it was established to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice but I never put more thought into it. After some research, I found some very interesting facts about this Federal Holiday that was established on May 13, 1938.

On May 13, 1938, An act was approved that made 11 November each year a legal holiday. This day was to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor Veterans of World War I.

To fully understand the history it is important to look back to when the Treaty of Versailles was signed. This took place on June 28, 1919. This officially ended World War I. Fighting had ceased months earlier when an armistice, A military agreement suspending active hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars”.

To this day 11 November continues to be celebrated regardless of which day of the week it falls on. The historical significance is preserved.

Today we know Veteran’s Day as “A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good”.