The signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919 ended World War I, the “war to end all wars”. However, the fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice was signed by the Allied nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It is for that reason that November 11 is regarded as the end of the Great War.
President Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first Armistice Day. In his speech the President said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory …”
On May 13, 1938, Congress enacted a law that made November 11 of each year a legal holiday – a day to be celebrated by public meetings and parades to remember the sacrifice made by our military personnel. Armistice Day was celebrated as a remembrance of the veterans of World War I until 1954.
After World War II and the Korean Conflict, Congress, at the request of Veterans organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by changing the word “Armistice” to “Veterans”. So with the change to Public Law 380 (Department of Veteran’s Affairs) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became the day to honor all American veterans from all wars.
The Uniform Holiday Bill of 1968 was signed into law with the intent to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees. This law changed which day Veterans’ Day would fall on each year. With the 3 day weekends it was thought that people would travel more and stimulate the economy. But many states disagreed with the new law and continued to observe Veterans’ Day on November 11th.
Because the commemoration of this day was not only a matter of historic but also patriotic significance to American citizens, President Ford signed Public Law 94-97 in 1975 returning the annual observance of Veterans’ Day back to November 11th beginning in 1978.
Veterans’ Day in observed on November 11th regardless of what day it that falls on so that Americans can celebrate the patriotism, love of country and the willingness to sacrifice for the good of the country. So this year on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month say a silent prayer for our freedom and thank a veteran.