Veterans Day

Soldiers board a plane. We honor them on Veterans Day.

Photograph by Pixabay on Pexels

On Veterans Day, we honor all U.S. military veterans who have served our country. Do you know the history of the holiday? Are you wondering how to honor veterans on this day?

Veterans Day Origin

The federal holiday’s inception goes back to November 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson declared Armistice Day to recognize the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1918, the Allied powers signed an agreement with Germany in Compiégne, France, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. The agreement ceased the battles on the Western Front and was the beginning of the end of The Great War. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially proclaimed Armistice Day to become Veterans Day to honor all veterans and current service members in the U.S. military.

How do I commemorate Veterans Day?

Are there veteran coworkers in your office? Remember to thank them for their service. Attend a Veterans Day parade in your city to honor service members. If you have an American flag and a sufficient flagpole or flagpole bracket, remember to hoist Old Glory at full-staff in honor of our veterans. You might also decide to volunteer at a local Veteran Affairs Hospital. Many VA facilities hold events or a special lunch on November 11. The occasion is a great opportunity to bless those who served.

You can also send care packages to our service members. The care packages can include necessities: sunblock, baby wipes, socks, lip balm, and powder. They will also appreciate snacks that do not melt, homemade food, playing cards, board games, and books. Remember to use sturdy packaging, seal every item well, and completely fill out shipping and customs forms. If you want your care package to arrive by a specific time, consider how long shipping will take before arrival to service members. 

Veterans Day Facts

For a few years in the early 1970s, Veterans Day occurred on the fourth Monday in October. Congress created a Uniform Holidays Bill in 1968 to initiate the holiday switch. However, in 1975, President Gerald Ford returned the commemorative day to its rightful November 11 designation. 

Other Allied countries continue to honor veterans of both world wars and all their veterans in early November. Britain recognizes Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday of November. Canada and Australia pay tribute to Remembrance Day on November 11. France continues to recognize Armistice Day on November 11 as well. 

If you found this article insightful, please read about the history of Flag Day.

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