1 of 15

Write now Article Tools

Every year on November 11th, Americans the world over take time to honor and remember the veterans who fought for our country and sacrificed their lives and more in doing so. Although we now honor all veterans, and in particular, those who fought in the various wars, the importance of this day dates back to the end of WWI, when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918, the allies and Germany signed the Armistice Treaty or Agreement that officially ended the hostilities of WWI on the Western Front.

*The first official proclamation -

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice day on November 12, 1919. Seven years later, on June 4, 1926, congress passed a concurrent resolution requesting that the president issue another proclamation so that November 11th could be observed with the proper ceremonies.

*From Armistice Day to Veterans Day -

The idea to expand Armistice Day and to make it a celebration for all veterans was the brainchild of Emporia Kansas shoe store owner Al King. He had been an active member of American War Dads during World War II. He got the Emporia chapter of AWDs to take up his cause (which was to turn Armistice Day into an All Veterans Day.) On November 11, 1953, 90% of all Emporia businesses along with the Board of Education showed their support for King by closing the doors of their businesses and schools.

US Representative Ed Rees, also an Emporia resident, helped push a bill through congress. On May 26, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law that declared that November 11th would be Armistice Day. The bill was amended by congress on November 8, 1954 when the name was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

*What is Veterans Day? -

Veterans Day is a day that commemorates and honors the sacrifices that members of the Armed Forces made during war time, and it was originally designated as a way to remember those veterans who died in World War I. It has since been expanded so that it commemorates and honors the service and sacrifice of veterans of all wars. Up to World War II, the holiday was referred to as either Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, and the name was changed after World War II.

*How is it celebrated? -

Veterans Day is a federal, state and local government holiday. Ceremonies are held at War memorials and at veterans cemeteries where wreaths of poppies are laid and a moment of silence is observed at precisely 11 a.m. Wreaths are also laid at the heavily guarded tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia. The tomb houses the remains of an unknown soldier who died in World War I.

Veterans Day is an important holiday for members of the military, for the families of deceased soldiers and for retired veterans, many of whom lost friends and comrades on the battlefields. Since 9/11/2001, more soldiers have lost their lives, and it is only fitting that they also be honored since they also died in combat.

In places where there is a sizable veteran and military population, this day is always very special. Ceremonies are held and businesses rally together to offer free services or free meals to their veterans as a show of gratitude and appreciation.

Learn more about this author, Theresa Rose.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding why Veteran's Day is important?
We want to hear your view. Write now!