A Blessed Armistice/Veterans Day!

Yesterday, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which in the U.S. later became known as Veterans Day, yet many observe the latter today. Here's why...

SL: On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Though the Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, marked the official end of the war, the American public still viewed November 11 as the date that marked the end of the Great War. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson commemorated November 11 as Armistice Day.

Unfortunately, “the war to end all wars” did not, and the United States was soon embroiled in World War II and then the Korean War. In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill. By celebrating Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day, (all celebrated on Mondays) this ensured that federal employees would receive four three-day weekends. The observation of Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, and the first Veterans Day under the new law was Monday, October 25, 1971. Many states disapproved of this change and continued to observe the holiday on its original date of November 11. Recognizing that the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, in 1975 President Gerald Ford signed legislation returning the observation of Veterans Day back to November 11.

Regardless of the slight discrepancy in commemoration and observance, Veterans Day, as we've come to recognize it, honors the service of ALL American veterans, living or deceased. We especially thank our living veterans who've served honorably during times of war or peace. So despite the politics of the day, the vast majority of our grateful nation say, "THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"

Related link: Veterans/Armistice Day | C-SPAN Classroom