Veterans Day Facts

History of Veterans Day:

Armistice Day, as Nov. 11 was initially known because on that date the armistice ended WWI, became an official U.S. holiday way back in 1926 and a nationally recognized holiday in 1938. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.

In 1968, congressional legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. In 1978 Congress, recognizing that their predecessors had goofed, returned the observance to its traditional date of November 11.

There are official national ceremonies for Veterans Day focusing on the Tomb of the Unknowns. To honor these men and women, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard at Ft. Myer, VA), keeps a day-and-night vigil, regardless of the weather. At 11 a.m. Nov. 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb. The nation’s tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of “Taps.”

A few facts about our veterans:

• There are an estimated 25 million veterans living today.

• More than 48 million Americans have served in our military since the birth of our nation in 1776.

• Every year roughly 80,000 veterans are buried in in National Cemetery system.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about veterans’ events and organizations, you can contact a local support group, such as the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Veterans Day and Memorial Day, these groups raise money for charity by selling paper poppies made by disabled veterans. This bright red wildflower became a symbol of World War I after a bloody battle among rows of poppies in Belgium’s Flanders Field.

At 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, many Americans observe a moment of silence to remember those who fought for peace. Let’s all observe that moment of silence again this year.