Parades commence, ceremonies are performed, and speeches are made as the Star-Spangled Banner rises high above the crowd. Audiences cheer as marching bands play a beautiful melody of pride and patriotism. What’s all this for? Occurring annually on November 11th, Veterans Day is a widely celebrated remembrance of the end of World War I and the courage and bravery of our soldiers during wartime. It is a day to honor the veterans who put their lives on the line for the safety and well-being of our country and pay tribute to those who protect us on the front lines. Let’s learn more about how and why Veterans Day is celebrated!

The History of Veterans Day

The following information was obtained from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

World War I, known as “The Great War”, officially ceased at the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28th, 1919. Fighting had ceased about seven months earlier, when an armistice between the allied nations and Germany began on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Therefore, November 11th, 1919 is recognized as the end of World War I. Hence the original term was “Armistice Day”, and now it is often called Remembrance or Veterans Day.

After the initial designation of Veterans Day, the date went through several changes over the years. In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Bill was enacted. It was meant to give Federal employees three day weekends by scheduling four major holidays to be on Mondays. Among these days was Veterans Day. This change in arrangement was expected to increase travel and participation in recreational activities, as well as benefit industrial and commercial production. However, many states disagreed with the change and continued to celebrate the included holidays on their original dates.

After the new law was introduced, Veterans Day was observed on October 25th, 1971. This created much confusion and a large sentiment to reinstate the holiday on its original date, due to the historical significance. Therefore, on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), effectively moving the holiday back to its original occurrence on November 11th.

Celebrations Today

Ever since the initial establishment, Veterans Day has been widely celebrated all across America. Many cities hold parades and appreciation events for veterans to commemorate the day. Non-profit organizations such as A Million Thanks even offer the opportunity for people to write letters thanking active and retired military personnel for their service.

The purpose of Veterans Day is to show our soldiers that their service does not go unnoticed. It’s a chance for them to know how appreciated their work is and that they are never forgotten in our hearts.

Veterans Day at iUP

Some of our very own owl teachers here at iUP shared how they celebrate Veterans day with the veterans in their lives!

Mr. Walker’s dad served in the Navy, and he was stationed in the Philippines. He says his dad “really appreciates it when people thank him for his service. He enjoys going to the local Veterans Day parade that his city hosts, and then he usually goes out to eat at his favorite restaurant. “Students can really do a lot just by saying ‘thank you’ to a veteran. Them being noticed and thanked makes them feel very good and is often a welcome surprise!” he shared.

Mrs. Williams’s dad served in the Army for four years and during the Desert Storm. When asked how she and her family celebrate Veterans Day, she said “We like to get him his favorite dessert, look at old pictures, and sometimes go out to eat.” She also encourages students to write letters to veterans, or celebrate with a veteran in their life so they know how appreciated they are.

Conclusion

Veterans Day is not just an ordinary holiday, but a day to celebrate the extraordinary courage demonstrated by our soldiers. It’s a time to show them how appreciated they are for their service to our country and honor those who have served in our military. Send a letter to a veteran in your life today and show them your thanks. Happy Veterans Day!

Send a letter with A Million Thanks: https://amillionthanks.org/letter/

Works Cited:

Department of Veterans Affairs (jdt). “History of Veterans Day.” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, US Department of Veterans Affairs, 20 July 2022, https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/.

*quotes adjusted for grammar and spelling