Every November 11th, we observe Veterans Day, an annual national holiday in which we honor veterans of the armed forces who have served in war and in peace. Today, there are more than 18 million living veterans in the United States, representing about 6% of the country’s adult population.[1]
According to USO.org, Veterans Day was first observed on November 11, 1919, but was originally called Armistice Day. It started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in the service of our country in honor of the first anniversary of the end of World War I, known at the time as “The Great War”,[2] which officially ended in 1918 on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
In 1926, Congress officially recognized the end of World War I.[3] The same year, Congress called for the day to be observed annually.[4] In 1938, by legislative act, Armistice Day became a federal holiday. In 1954, after both World War II (1941 -1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953), Congress amended the Act of 1938 to replace the word “Armistice” with the word “Veterans”, to honor veterans of all wars.[5] In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Bill was passed creating a three-day weekend for Federal employees celebrating national holidays, among them, Veterans Day. By 1978, by legislative act, Veterans Day was moved to November 11th permanently.[6]
Memorial Day, however, is observed on the last Monday in May. That day, we honor all those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military, dating back to the post-Civil War.[7]
Why is this important?
Why do we need to know this?
Human nature is such that people take for granted, the work others do to keep us safe. Our rights and freedoms, our democracy, and our way of life are preserved in part by the men and women in the military. My father was one of those men, having served in an all-black regiment during World War II. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude.
We can honor our military by being good citizens and respecting the rights of others. We can honor them by volunteering or participating in organizations that help the public. To say, “thank you for your service”, is the least we could do. We must continue to acknowledge and remember the commitment and sacrifice of our military, and their families.
We must also remember our first responders, our police and fire, our emergency medical staff, and all those who come to our aid during emergencies. On October 27, 2023, the President of the United States issued a proclamation declaring October 28th, as National First Responders Day.[8] To those who run toward danger, no matter the personal risk, we thank you.
We live in a great country, though not perfect. It is up to each and every one of us to continue to strive to form a more perfect union.
Be Informed
Be Engaged
Be Involved
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/08/the-changing-face-of-americas-veteran-population/
[2] https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
[3] https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
[4] https://www.military.com/veterans-day
[5] https://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.html
[6] https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
[7] https://civicsinseconds.com/civics-and-memorial-day/
[8] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/10/27/a-proclamation-on-national-first-responders-day-2023/