Veterans Day is a time to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our country in the military.

Celebrations will be held locally and across the nation during this week of Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.

While everyone knows about Veterans Day and its significance, many might not know how it began.

The origin of Veterans Day can be traced back to the end of World War I, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Also known at the time as “The Great War,” World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end
all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Armistice Day was made a legal holiday in 1938, and the day served as a time to honor those who fought in World War I.

However, in 1954, the word “Armistice” was replaced with “Veterans” and Veterans Day officially became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

On Oct. 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” which stated: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the executive branch of the government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

To this day, Veterans Day remains a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

If you do nothing else on Wednesday, make sure to thank a veteran for their service. They will appreciate it greatly.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.