November 11 each year is set aside in the United States to celebrate all veterans of all the military branches. Veterans Day has a long and colorful history in the United States dating back to 1919, when the date was first celebrated as Armistice Day. Armistice Day was created to remember the end of World War I and to honor the soldiers who served during that conflict. In May of 1954, then President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill establishing the holiday as a celebration of all veterans, not only those who served in WWI. Then in June, he signed an amendment to that bill changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. For a short period of time from 1971 to 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday of October, but in 1978 President Gerald Ford returned the celebration to it’s original, historically significant date.

World War I was obviously a multinational event, and the armistice that ended the fighting is celebrated by many nations besides just the United States. Therefore it’s not surprising that several other nations also have holidays on November 11. In Canada, France, Australia, and Great Britain the day is known as Remembrance Day and is celebrated in various ways. In the United States, Veterans Day is honored by a ceremony surrounding the laying of a wreath on the grave of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Many communities also have parades or other public events and business may offer discounts to veterans. Additionally, all nonessential government offices and most schools and banks are closed. No mail is delivered and some private businesses either close completely or have limited hours. However you decide to celebrate, please take a few moments to honor all those who have served in the military and help to protect our nation and our way of life.

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