How Veterans Day Began
Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 with speeches and parades across the U.S. The holiday began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
- In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance.
- In 1938, Nov. 11 became a national holiday.
- In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day in order to honor veterans of all American wars.
Some Veterans Day Facts
- Regardless of the day of the week, Veterans Day is observed on November 11.
- The date was chosen to commemorate World War I, which ended on November 11, 1918.
- Veterans Day was established by Congress on June 4, 1926.
- The purpose of Veterans Day and Memorial Day are often confused. Memorial Day is for honoring military personnel who died in service to their country. Veterans Day is for thanking ALL men and women who have served honorably in the military during times of war and peace.
Diligent would like to take this time to say Thank You to all the armed forces and, God Bless…
“We must remember that many who served in our military never lived to be called veterans. We must remember many had their lives changed forever by experiences or the injuries of combat. All veterans are examples of service and citizenship for every American to remember and to follow.” — President George W. Bush, Oct. 30, 2001
“We’re a nation of patriots. The attacks of September 11th, and the attacks that have followed, were designed to break our spirit. But instead, they’ve created a new spirit in America. We have a renewed spirit of patriotism. We see it in the countless flags that are flying everywhere in America. We hear it in familiar phrases that move us more deeply than ever before.” — President George W. Bush, Oct. 30, 2001
