Veterans Day
About Veterans Day
When is Veterans Day? This holiday is always observed on November 11
Veterans Day, previously called Armistice Day, is a November 11 holiday. It honors all members of the Armed Forces who served this country valiantly, and in a very big way. They served and fought to protect us, keep our country safe, and preserve our way of life. Veterans gave their time and risked their lives for you and me. In many cases, they made the ultimate sacrifice. So, we salute anyone who wore a uniform in service to our great country, regardless of what branch of the military. Thier contributions must be remembered.
Originally, this holiday was called Armistice Day and was first celebrated in 1921. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day in honor of those who served during all wars, and especially those who died for our country.
On November 11 at 11:11, 1921 the U.S., France, and England each buried an unknown soldier in honor of those who died in World War I. This began the annual Armistice Day holiday. The time and day were picked because fighting ceased in WWI in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11. In keeping with this tradition, work stops on this day and time each year for a moment of silence.
How to Celebrate Veterans Day
- Most important, no matter where you are, and what you are doing, honor the tradition of a moment of silence at 11:11 a.m. today.
- Buy a veteran a cup of coffee.
- Thank a veteran for their service.
- Buy a veteran lunch.
- Lastly, visit a cemetery and place flowers and flags at their graves.
Today's Quote
“You have enemies. Good. That means you’ve stood up for something.” – – Winston Churchill
The History and Origin of Veteran's Day
Originally, this holiday was called Armistice Day and was first celebrated in 1921. Since its inception, it has been an annual event. As previously mentioned, then President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day in honor of those who served during all wars, and especially those who died for our country.
This Day in History
In addition to Veterans Day, here are some of the events that happened on this day:
- Forty-one Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower sign a compact calling for a “body Politick” just off the Massachusetts coast. (1620)
- The “Great Black Blizzard”, is the first of several dust storms to create the dust bowl, which tears through South Dakota. (1933)
- WWII General George S. Patton was born on this day in 1885.
More November 11 Holidays
Besides Veterans Day, here is another November 11 holiday we are certain you will enjoy:
More About Today
Holiday Insights, where every day in November is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? In addition to Veterans Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Certainly, there is no shortage of daily holidays in November. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.