Thank You Veterans
Did you know?
Veterans Day is held in honor of all those who served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces in war or peace. This is different from Memorial Day which honors those who died while serving.
Why November 11th?
It was at 11am on November 11, 1918 that a temporary peace, or armistice, was signed and the fighting during World War I came to an end.
A little more history…
1919 – President Woodrow Wilson announced that November 11th would be called “Armistice Day” in the United States.
1938 – Armistice Day became a national federal holiday dedicated to world peace and held in honor of WWI veterans.
1954 – Congress changed the day to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.
1968 – Congress moved the date to the 4th Monday of November, presumably to spur travel and other family activities over a long weekend, which in turn would help stimulate the economy.
1978 – Veterans Day was changed back to November 11th as a matter of historic and patriotic significance.
Every Year a National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery. The president gives a speech and veterans are honored. At 11am a moment of silence is observed to honor those who served.
Do other countries celebrate Veterans Day?
World War I was a multinational effort, so many of our allies also celebrate on November 11th. However, the name of the day and the types of commemorations differ.
Canada and Australia both call Nov. 11 “Remembrance Day.” Canada’s observance is pretty similar to the US, except many of its citizens wear red poppy flowers to honor their war dead. In Australia, the day is more like Memorial Day.
Great Britain calls it “Remembrance Day,” too, but observes it on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11 with parades, services and two minutes of silence in London to honor those who lost their lives in war.
ADDING MY THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS!!!