In honor of Veterans Day, we wanted to provide you
guys with a brief history on this date—and if you want more information, be
sure to get the whole story at http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day
World War I
officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.
However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary
stop of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on
the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month! For this reason
November 11, 1918 is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all
wars.”
In November
1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of
Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of
Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died
in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of
the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has
given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of
the nations…”
Fast-forward to May 13, 1938. An Act was approved on this
day that made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a
day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated
and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily set aside to honor
veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the
greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen, America
amended the act by replacing the world “Armistice” with “Veterans.” With the
approval of this on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to
honor American veterans of all wars.
Eisenhower
issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” on October 8th of that
year, that said: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this
anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry
will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11th
not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus
attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor
America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to
serve and sacrifice for the common good.
If you live in the
San Fernando Valley, be sure to check out the Veterans Day Parade that starts
at 11:11 AM! It’s on San Fernando Mission Blvd and Laurel Canyon Blvd in
Mission Hills.