Veterans Day 11.11.11




Our Veterans Day this year is 11.11.11. Although officially ending in 1919, the fighting during World War I, also known as "The Great War", ceased seven months earlier when an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. November 11, 1918 became known as the end of "the war to end all war."

A year later in November of 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Armistice Day was approved as a legal holiday May 13, 1938 making November 11th of each year a day dedicated to the the cause of world peace and was primarily set aside to honor veterans of World War I. But in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation's history and after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." November 11th then became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.


In an effort to ensure three-day weekends,The Uniform Holiday Bill was signed into effect in 1968 with the first observation of Veterans Day on a Monday in 1971. But because of the historic and patriotic significance of the commemoration of this particular date for Veterans Day, President Gerald R. Ford returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11 beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.




Comments

  1. So many in my family have served our Country. My maternal grandfather was killed in WWII. God bless those who continue to serve and sacrifice so much.

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  2. Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my blog regarding my grandson.

    Thank you as well for this great blog post. I so much appreciate that there is someone out there how know the true meaning of the day, that it is not just another reason for a "Big Sale" at your local furniture store.

    Many blessing to you and yours!!!
    Debbie
    xoxo

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  3. Great post!

    My son is currently in the Army, and I have had many relative serve our country in the armed forces.

    I worked with the VFW for quite a while (as a grant writer) and learned to love and appreciate them so much!

    Looking forward to Veterans Day and will proudly fly our flag and give thanks for all those that have made the sacrifices in the name of God, country and freedom :)

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  4. I'm honored to come from a Marine Corps family.
    Veteran's Day has always been a memorable holiday for all of us.
    I enjoyed your post!
    ♥♥

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  5. This is a wonderful post about Veteran's Day...so much information. I love learning the backgrounds of important things. It serves to help us always remember when we know how things came to be. I am glad the day was returned to the 11th, no matter what. People tend to think of Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the same way, but Veterans Day actually honors those who are living and served our country. Memorial Day honors those who have died. I'm mixing the two up a little in the blog post I am about to do, and ask for leniency!

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  6. Thanks for the info. We sometimes forget the history of wonderful celebrations like Veteran's Day. Thanks for sharing.

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