Celebrated on November 11, Veterans Day is a U.S federal holiday devoted to the heroism and sacrifices of all American war veterans. It built from Armistice Day, a day of commemoration of the First World War. The Veterans Day, as we know today, came to be an American national holiday only in 1975.
Veterans Day serves as an occasion for the American people to pay respect to those who have served the nation. It also provides them with opportunities to celebrate the gallantry and sacrifices of all their war veterans: their services to the country, their patriotism, their love of country, and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the benefit and the common good of the country.
Meaning, Origin, And History Of Veterans Day
Allied nations signed the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, with the Germans, marking the official end to World War 1 (The Great War).
Formerly, on the 11th day of the 11th hour of the 11th month of 1918, a temporary termination of conflicts was declared between the allied nations and Germans. A year later, in November of 1919, U.S President Woodrow Wilson announced that November 11 would be the first memorial of Armistice Day where parades and public gatherings would take place, pausing businesses and school activities for a short period at 11 AM.
However, the date of November 11, 1918, held more significance to the public as it marked the actual end to the conflict.
On June 4, 1926, Congress delivered a resolution that the frequent anniversary of November 11, 1918, should be remembered with Thanksgiving and prayers, to continue peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations
In 1938, a regulation was passed calling on November 11 to be the day dedicated to the source of world peace. The day would celebrate the bravery and sacrifices of the heroes who fought for the country, and as such, the day became a holiday to honor World War I veterans.
In 1954, after the Korean War and World War II, the 83rd U.S Congress decided November 11 would be a day to honor all American war Veterans.
In 1968, the unvarying holiday notice ensured three day weekends of federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays. These holidays were termed as Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this notice, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. Many countries did not agree with this judgment and continued to celebrate the holidays on its original date. Under these circumstances, the new law of the first Veterans Day was taken with much confusion on October 25, 1971.
On September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford engaged a law that reimbursed the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date. From then on, Veterans Day was officially declared a federal holiday on November 11.
Veterans Day As Federal Holiday
November 11 is celebrated each year as a federal holiday for Veterans Day. If the holiday falls on a non-working day, i.e., on either Saturdays or Sundays, all government businesses, along with local or state governments, are closed. Non-government businesses, however, can close or remain open as they see appropriate, regardless of federal, state, or local government.
Throughout the day, sacrifices are offered, and stories of the brave and heroes for the common good of the country are shared. National ceremonials are held to commemorate Veterans Day at the memorial amphitheater built around the tomb of the unknowns.
On November 11, at 11 AM, a color guard representing all military services salute at the tomb in order to uphold the heroism and sacrifice of the brave men and women who risked their lives for the United States of America.
Fort Gordon's color guard leading Augusta's annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2017 (©: fortgordonglobe.com)
Furthermore, activities such as teaching children about the history of the veterans, visiting the veterans, displaying the American flag, watching a parade, and serving veterans, are carried out. The idea is to show the care and remember the heroes for their bravery and sacrifices. Elderly people read books, watch documentaries, and discuss Veterans Day with neighbors or family.
Difference Between Veterans Day Vs. Memorial Day
Many confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. But the former, also called Decoration Day, is celebrated in the last month of May as a remembrance of those who died in the military service for the United States.
If we inspect deeper, we see that they are not similar. While Memorial Day, also a federal holiday, is celebrated honoring the military personalities who have died while serving the U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans Day Honours, all American veterans, living or dead alike.
Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to those who died for the United States, whereas Veterans Day is a day to pay tribute to all people of The United States for their sacrifices and heroism. The latter has a special significance in that; the living veterans are also thanked for their services to the country. Memorial Day is a time to contemplate the American loyalists who made the ultimate sacrifice while shielding and defending the country.
Memorial Day is an opportunity to respect the fallen by attending memorial services, laying flowers, praying and planting flags on their graves, whereas Veterans Day can be used as an opportunity to show appreciation to the friends and families of the veterans by visiting or volunteering at their facility, attending a local event in their names and thanking for their services.
Fun Facts About Veterans Day
- As of 2010, there were around 21.8 million veterans in the United States. Around 9 Million veterans were over the age of 65. Among the veterans, 6 million were women. There are almost 24 million veterans alive today.
- One of the most famous Veterans Day quotes came from the first lady of the United States, Barbara Bush (wife of former U.S. president George H. W. Bush). It states:
Well, look at what people are doing for returned veterans now. The wounded warriors. They're working hard to make the wounded veterans feel that they are loved and welcomed home, unlike Vietnam. It was not a very kind, gentle world then. I think we are kinder and gentler.
- There are a number of displays held across the United States alongside speeches. Other countries celebrate Veterans Day in their own unique way.
- There is not fictional to be an apostrophe on Veterans Day. You can support the veterans at any time of the war or year.