This past Tuesday was Veteran’s Day and we were lucky enough to not have school. Veteran’s Day is an interesting holiday so here’s all about it!
What Is Veteran’s Day?
Veteran’s Day is a national holiday in the United States. It’s a holiday that honors the military that served for the United States Army. Veteran’s Day is always celebrated on November 11 because it marked the end of WWI when the war ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Since the end of WWI, people have celebrated it until 1938, when it was officially passed as a federal holiday of the United States.
The History of Veterans Day
In the early 1900s’ Veteran’s Day was called Armistice Day to represent the end of WWI and the armistice (peace contract) that was signed on November 11. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that changed the name “Armistice Day” to “Veteran’s Day” to honor all the veterans of the wars. It was changed due to the ending of WWII and the Korean War, where many soldiers, medics, and airmen passed away while fighting. Many people advocated replacing “Armistice” with “Veteran’s” to honor all veterans who had passed away in all the wars. In 1969, the holiday was moved to the fourth Monday in October, but then later in 1975, President Gerald Ford moved it back to its historical date, November 11, to symbolize the ending of WWI.
The Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
Many people in the world get Veterans Day and Memorial Day confused, thinking they celebrate or honor the same thing, but they actually don’t. Although both do represent American soldiers, Veteran’s Day honors both living and deceased veterans, while Memorial Day honors the deceased that died trying to save the country. They both are also celebrated on different days, as Veteran’s Day is on November 11 and Memorial Day is on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is more sad and reflective as they honor the soldiers who have died, while Veteran’s Day is a happy celebration as we thank those who have served for our country.
Image via Boston University
Image via Abc News
