A Look Back on the History of Veteran’s Day
Today we take a moment to reflect on the service that has been continually provided by members of the American military, in moments of both peace and war since our nation’s founding. In our annual salute, we often look back visually at the moments in American history that wonderful posters were created. But how did this holiday of reflection and giving thanks originate?
Veteran’s Day actually used to be called Armistice Day. “On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month” of 1918, the Treaty of Versailles was signed and WWI was officially ended through an agreement of cease fire between the Allied Forces and Germany. This cease fire can also be referred to as an armistice. Armistice Day was celebrated annually as a way to reflect upon the end of the largest mobilization of American troops in history thus far, and was honored as a federal holiday in 1938. After the United States’ involvement in WWII and the Korean War, President Eisenhower officially changed Armistice Day to be called Veteran’s Day in 1958. It now serves as a moment to look back on all of the men and women who have served our country in times of both war and peace, and thank them for their contribution.
