Veterans Day is an important United States National Holiday that seems to get lost in the shuffle of more festive holidays of the season. The remembrance for all U.S. Military Veterans is important because it honors those who have served to protect the freedoms that Americans have come to expect. Young men and women have gone to war, put their own lives on hold, fought and died for the freedoms that Americans hold dear.
Historic Wars of the United States of America
Historic wars include Civil War, Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, Desert Storm and the War in Iraq. Veterans who served in peacetime are also honored for their willingness to serve and their importance in maintaining peace.
World War I the Great War Ends on Armistice Day
World War I, was a European battle against the mighty forces of Germany. The war, which was bigger than anyone could imagine at the time, was called The Great War. So many soldiers on both sides lost their lives that the war was declared The War to End All Wars. On November 11 1918, Armistice was declared on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 Armistice Day. An unidentified soldier was buried in the tomb of the unknown soldier, in remembrance of all the soldiers who lost their lives.
Armistice Day Declared a National Holiday
27 states gradually made Armistice Day a legal holiday. In 1938 the U.S. Congress declared November 11 a National Holiday.
World War II and Veterans Day
In 1939, the year after Armistice Day was declared a national holiday, World War II began. This world war involved countries outside of the European Theater and was so large that it made World War I seem small in comparison. After the six and a half year battle, people realized that the November 11 holiday needed to include all men and women who had served in the war. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was himself a World War II veteran, proclaimed November 11 as Veterans Day.
Read about Pearl Harbor Day. Remember Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona in Hawaii
The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month
Congress changed the date of Veterans Day in 1968, declaring it on the second Monday of the month, but there was a public outcry. People felt that the date of November 11 was too significant to change. In 1975, President Gerald Ford changed the National Holiday back to its original date.
All veterans can carry themselves with pride, that they have shown discipline, courage and strength during their life experiences in the military. Honor military veterans, past and present, for putting their lives on the line for freedom.
Resources
The History Channel
Read about Senator John McCain and his appearance on The Tonight Show ith Jay Leno Senator John McCain Appears on Jay Leno
