Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause.” - Abraham Lincoln On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending the “war to end all wars.”
However, November 11, 1918 remains to be seen as the World War I armistice date. President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 to be Armistice Day, in November 1919. To commemorate this day, there were parades, public gatherings, and a pause in business and school activities until 11:00am.
In 1926, America adopted armistice day through congressional resolution after many unknown American soldiers had been buried at the nation’s highest place of honor.
However, years later, another war broke out. Over 292,000 Americans lost their lives in World War II, and 407,000 died while serving in the military of the fifteen and a half million Americans that took part in the war. Numerous unidentified soldiers from those wars were buried.
Veterans Day was first named in 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day” and celebrated the renamed occasion with parades and other events to raise awareness.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower replaced the word “Armistice” with “Veterans” on June 1, 1954, officially establishing Veterans Day. However, this day of remembrance is often confused with Memorial Day. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Day honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries sustained in battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, whether they have passed or are still alive.
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aimed to create a threeday weekend for federal employees by changing the observation date to the fourth Monday in October. However, this change was met with confusion and disapproval from many states.
It became evident that the original date of Veterans Day held significant historical and patriotic importance for many Americans. Consequently, President Gerald Ford signed a new law in 1978, effectively reinstating Veterans Day on November 11th.
Veterans Day is observed around the world, although it is known by different names. Great Britain, France, Canada, and Australia commemorate veterans of both World Wars on or near November 11th.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13