Veteran’s Day is a tribute to soldiers of all wars. But why do we celebrate this holiday each year on November 11?
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, a temporary cessation of hostilities between the allied nations and Germany went into effect. The armistice was signed, and World War I concluded. Soon after, November 11, 1918, was regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
One year later, in November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, a day to commemorate veterans of World War I. On this day in 1919, work stopped at 11 a.m., and the entire country celebrated together.
Congress made the annual observance official in 1938 as Armistice Day. This day has been a federal holiday ever since, now under a different name.
After World War II, in 1954, the day became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. In October 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day and created the Veterans Day National Committee. In France, Armistice Day is still celebrated on November 11 each year