Veterans Day Then and Now

For some, November 11, 2010 offers little more than a day out of school or off work. It is important to know the history of Veteran's Day in order to appreciate it and to more respect and appreciate the men and women who've fought in any war.

To begin with, World War I between the Allied Nations and Germany ended with an armistice on November 11, 1918. It was described as the bloodiest war to take place.

World War I was called the war to end all wars. Nov. 11, 1918 was deemed the end of the war to end all wars. President Woodrow Wilson declared Armistice Day a legal holiday beginning Nov. 11, 1919. It was a time when our government wanted to commemorate the restoration of peaceful relations between the U.S. and all other nations. Armistice Day was to be a national day of parades, and public meetings. Businesses were to close at 11 a.m.

The United States Congress passed a resolution on June 4, 1926 to include: that Armistice Day should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer, peace and goodwill between the U.S. and all other nations. Businesses displayed flags on public buildings. People were to observe the day in schools and churches with appropriate celebrations.

Armistice Day was made a legal national holiday on May 13, 1938.

In 1954 the holiday's name was changed from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day. It was designated to honor veterans of all wars.

Under the Uniform Holiday Bill, Veteran's Day, along with Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day and Columbus Day, would be celebrated on a Monday to ensure long weekends. Veteran's day was set for Monday Oct. 25, 1971. It confused a lot of people. Americans wanted to move the date back to Nov. 11, no matter what day it fell on, due to historic significance. Veteran's Day was celebrated on its original date in 1978, and has remained there ever since.

Since the original Armistice Day that was said to be the war to end all wars, we have seen our American soldiers cross the oceans time and time again to fight on behalf of someone's freedom. Some of them have not returned alive. Others have returned wounded, either in mind, body or spirit. It turns out World War I was not the war to end all wars. It is not the bloodiest war to date either.

This Veteran's Day, parades and ceremonies are happening all over America. We reflect on our veterans who have sacrificed their lives and time to fight for our country and for freedom for others. May we always revere them - our American soldiers- and Veteran's Day with reverence and appreciation.

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp