Why do we observe November 11 as Veterans Day? Here's a brief history behind the establishment of Veterans Day and why we observe it on that day.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice (a temporary cessation of hostilities) began between the Allied forces and Germany, thus effectually ending World War 1. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson called for the first observance of Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. This Armistice Day was to be a day of parades, public meetings and suspension of business beginning at 11am on that date.
On May 13, 1938 Act 52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a was approved and made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday known as Armistice Day, a day set aside to honor veterans of World War 1.
After World War 2 and our nation’s involvement in the Korean War, veteran’s service organizations urged Congress to change the 1938 Act and change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. On June 1, 1954, Public Law 389 was approved and made November 11th Veterans Day – a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 temporarily moved Veterans Day to the 4th Monday of October, a move that was not very popular! President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-97 on September 20th, 1975 which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day back to the November 11th date beginning in 1978.
According to the VA, “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.”
