Veteran's Day

As Veterans Day approaches on November 11th, it is crucial to understand its importance, how to celebrate it, and its origins. Veterans Day is a time of honor and celebration for the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Recognizing their sacrifice, courage, and commitment to the United States truly reinforces how important Veterans Day is. This important day of commemoration stems from a rich history from the early 1900s and has since continually reminded citizens of the people who have fought for our freedoms.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Day was heavily influenced by World War I, also known as the Great War. It began after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914. This catapulted a war as Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire (the Central Powers) fought against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Canada, Japan, and the United States (the Allied Powers). This resulted in incomprehensible technological warfare that would cause World War I to be one of the most devastating conflicts in history. It ended with millions of casualties between both sides’ civilians and soldiers. The conflict officially stopped on November 11, 1918. However, the Allied Powers would go on to create the Treaty of Versailles around a year later to fully mark the beginning of peace. By signing the treaty, the Central Powers would go on to lose territories, reduce military forces, and pay reparations to the Allied powers. However, the original date of ceased fire, November 11th, would become the official date for Armistice Day. Armistice means to “stand still arms” in Latin. However, the holiday itself had the same meaning it does today where the heroic acts of soldiers were celebrated and recognized by the public. 

 According to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum it was stated, “In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting in its place the word 'Veterans.' With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.” In other words, instead of only celebrating soldiers from World War I, Armistice Day was reformed and expanded to celebrate all people who were involved in the armed forces. President Dwight D. Eisenhower is credited with this change, and it has ever since remained the same.

When people think of Veterans Day they may not immediately think of celebrations; however, there are various ways in which it is honored around communities. Some common ways include parades, ceremonies, and personal tributes. Parades give a light-heartedness to Veterans Day as it allows for those who have served to march and be recognized as a hero. Additionally, it encourages young kids to better understand and participate in the holiday. On the other hand, ceremonies and personal tributes are more intimate ways of honoring Veterans Day as they bring attention to those who lost their lives while in service. These can include visiting memorials or hearing various speeches from loved ones or veterans. Both celebrations are a part of Veterans Day and prove to be important in awareness and honor. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, other countries also celebrate very similarly to honor their nation’s former armed forces and take the time to visit church services on what is known as “Remembrance Day.” All in all, Veterans Day is a solemn yet celebratory day  honored by American citizens. As we recognize the upcoming November 11th, let us remember both the veterans who are still living and those who have passed to truly show our gratitude.  

Sources: Veterans Day Facts and Information - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 

               The History of Veterans Day | ASOMF 

              Treaty of Versailles 

              World War I: Summary, Causes & Facts | HISTORY 

               History of Veterans Day - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs