While most know that Veterans Day honors those who have served in the military, the meaning behind its exact date (November 11) may not be so familiar. Here’s the backstory:
Back in 1918, in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a stop to hostilities was declared, ending World War I. An armistice to cease the fighting on the Western Front was signed by the Allied powers and Germany.
President Woodrow Wilson immediately proclaimed the day “Armistice Day,” kicking off the annual commemoration on November 11. But over the years, with veterans returning from World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day — a day reserved to honor veterans returning from all wars. But 11/11 still represented the end of the Great War in the public’s mind, and the date stuck.
In 1921, unidentified dead from the war were buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Westminster Abbey in London, and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The tradition to honor those killed in the war but never identified continues every year in the U.S. The ceremony is held at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Congress designated Veterans Day as a legal holiday in 1938, and since then, most Americans have come to know it as a day for store sales and parades. Yahoo! Searches on the holiday have already surged on the Web. People want to know “veterans day history,” “veterans day closings,” veterans day sales,” and “veterans day free meals.”
Sean Dent said
Well it unfortunately isn't. *sigh*
pinkyrn said
I meet a lot of Vetrans in the psych hospital where I work. To them the war is not over.
Kim said
This is a great article and I think a lot of people often forget the story behind Veterans Day. It’s turned into such a commercial shopping holiday and it’s so very important that we never forget to acknowledge it’s real purpose. Everyone should take time today to thank our soldiers both past and present for fighting for our country and protecting our freedom.The recent tragedy at Fort Hood is so unfortunate and I pray for the family and friends that lost a loved one. It’s crazy what the war can do to some people and it’s also very sad. I was on Facebook today and actually came across an ad for a site called Prescription Audio that’s offering a free download of their PTSD audio therapy for those in the military. This is something that I hope they’re marketing well because I have friends in the military suffering from this very disease and will be sure to pass it along. If you know of anyone that could benefit from this as well here’s the link: http://www.prescriptionaudio.com/pages/ptsd
Kim said
This is a great article and I think a lot of people often forget the story behind Veterans Day. It’s turned into such a commercial shopping holiday and it’s so very important that we never forget to acknowledge it’s real purpose. Everyone should take time today to thank our soldiers both past and present for fighting for our country and protecting our freedom.The recent tragedy at Fort Hood is so unfortunate and I pray for the family and friends that lost a loved one. It’s crazy what the war can do to some people and it’s also very sad. I was on Facebook today and actually came across an ad for a site called Prescription Audio that’s offering a free download of their PTSD audio therapy for those in the military. This is something that I hope they’re marketing well because I have friends in the military suffering from this very disease and will be sure to pass it along. If you know of anyone that could benefit from this as well here’s the link: http://www.prescriptionaudio.com/pages/ptsd
bthenextstep said
New Blog Post The 11th Hour: The Date Behind Veterans Day:
War Veterans The 11th Hour: The Dat.. http://bit.ly/2qjQ6u
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
bthenextstep said
RE: Well it unfortunately isn’t. *sigh*
http://disq.us/3jmv7
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Sean Dent said
Well it unfortunately isn't. *sigh*
pinkyrn said
I meet a lot of Vetrans in the psych hospital where I work. To them the war is not over.