On Thursday of this week our country will observe Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor those who have served or are serving this country in the armed forces. The origin of the holiday was the signing of the Armistice with the Germans that ended World War I (WWI); major hostilities of WW1 were formally ended on the 11th hour, 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. On June 4, 1926 Congress passed a resolution requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation to observe November 11th with appropriate ceremonies. In 1938, November 11th was a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be celebrated as Armistice Day.
On Thursday of this week our country will observe Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor those who have served or are serving this country in the armed forces. The origin of the holiday was the signing of the Armistice with the Germans that ended World War I (WWI); major hostilities of WW1 were formally ended on the 11th hour, 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. On June 4, 1926 Congress passed a resolution requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation to observe November 11th with appropriate ceremonies. In 1938, November 11th was a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be celebrated as Armistice Day. In Emporia, Kansas, Alfred King had the idea to expand the day to all veterans not just those of WWI. King actively campaigned to have Armistice Day changed to “All” Veterans Day. The Chamber of Commerce, along with the local school board and merchants of Emporia, supported the cause by closing their doors on November 11th to honor all veterans who have served. King enlisted the help of United States Representative Ed Rees and with his help a bill was pushed through Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954. Congress amended this act on June 1, 1954 and replaced “Armistice” with “Veterans”, and it has been known as Veterans Day ever since.The day has been observed on November 11th, except during the seven years in which the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was initiated. The Uniform Monday Holiday had the holiday moved to the fourth Monday in October. In 1978 it was moved back to its original date of November 11th. The holiday is now observed as a day when the post offices, banks and government offices are generally closed and communities hold parades and remembrance services. On this Veterans Day, take time out to reflect and show appreciation to those who have served and are serving our country. Especially remember the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and returned home in a flag-draped casket. They are the true American heroes. To all the veterans out there, thank you for your service. We appreciate your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your families. May you be blessed.
