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Veterans Day is
celebrated on November
11th.
Originally called
Armistice Day, this
holiday was established
to honor Americans who
had served in World War
I. It falls on November
11, the day when that
war ended in 1918.
Congress proclaimed
the day a federal
holiday in 1938. In
1954, Congress changed
the holiday’s name to
Veterans Day, in
recognition of those who
served during the Second
World War and the Korean
conflict.
Today, Veterans Day
recognizes all members
of the armed forces,
living and dead, who
served during times of
peace or war. It is a celebration to
honor America's veterans
for their patriotism,
love of country, and
willingness to serve and
sacrifice for the common
good. Veterans'
organizations hold
parades, and the
president customarily
places a wreath on the
Tomb of the Unknowns at
Arlington National
Cemetery, across the
Potomac River from
Washington, D.C.
Many people confuse
Memorial Day and
Veterans Day.
Memorial Day is a
day for remembering and
honoring military
personnel who died in
the service of their
country, particularly
those who died in battle
or as a result of wounds
sustained in battle.
While those who died are
also remembered on
Veterans Day, Veterans
Day is the day set aside
to thank and honor ALL
those who served
honorably in the
military - in wartime or
peacetime. In fact,
Veterans Day is largely
intended to thank LIVING
veterans for their
service, to acknowledge
that their contributions
to our national security
are appreciated, and to
underscore the fact that
all those who served -
not only those who died
- have sacrificed and
done their duty.
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