Veterans Day is known as the day that all wars ended. In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that November 11th would be the first commemoration of Armistice Day using the words: “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 and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” Here are some fun facts about Veteran’s Day.
- Veterans Day is always observed on November 11 and is both a state and a federal holiday.
- The day was first called Armistice Day and was established on November 11, 1919. This date was the first anniversary of the ending of World War I.
- As a result of lobbying by veterans’ service organizations, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. President Eisenhower signed the legislation. The holiday became a day to honor all of America’s veterans.
- President Eisenhower established the Veterans Day National Committee. Consisting of leaders of veterans’ groups, the committee meets several times a year in Washington, D.C. and plans Veterans Day activities and events that honor U.S. veterans. The committee is also dedicated to Veterans Day education, ensuring that the younger generations understand the importance and significance of the day.
- France, Britain, Canada, and Australia also honor World War I and II veterans on or near November 11.
- Every year on Veterans Day, at exactly 11 a.m., a wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknowns in the Arlington National Cemetery.