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HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY

THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY



"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."                                   ~President George Washington


Other than May, November is the most honorable month of all.  This special month celebrates both the Marine Corps Birthday (11/20/1775), and November 11th - Veterans Day. 
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the entire world observed a moment of silence in observance of the signing of a treaty in Versailles, France.  The treaty ended the hostilities of WWI and was termed an armistice.  From this worldly action, November 11th became known as “Armistice Day.”
In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day as an official day of remembrance. However it did not become a national day of observance until 1938.  Following the Korean War in 1954, the name Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day in recognition of all Veterans.
World War I by today’s standards was a relatively brief war lasting from 1914-1918.  The United States did not join this world war until 1917.  Since that time America has been involved in numerous other conflicts including today's War on Terrorism.
Unlike Memorial Day which honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for love of this great country, November 11th is the day we set aside to pay tribute to all American Veterans, living or deceased.  The intent for this day is to give thanks to living veterans who honorably served their country during war or peacetime.
The United States is not alone in recognizing the actions at Versailles, France in 1918.  France, Canada, Britain and Australia also remember this date and the valiant efforts of those men and women who took up the call to ward off tyranny, preserve our freedoms and secure peace.


“They took up the call of duty and should justly be recognized.”

~Natalee Webb, 1st Female Aircraft Mechanic, USAF 1976-79


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