The 11th of November

It’s Veteran’s Day! Do you know how Veteran’s Day came into existence? Have you ever heard of Armistice Day? Do you know how they are related or the difference between the two? How long have we been celebrating Veteran’s Day? Has it always been November 11th?

World War I involved 35 countries and lasted five years, from 1914 to 1918. The five years claimed many, many lives and many people believed it would be the very last war. When the fighting stopped, leaders of several the countries involved signed an agreement to stop all fighting on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. The agreement to halt all fighting, in other words a truce, is known as an Armistice.

Veteran’s Day was originally known as Armistice Day. In the early 1950s people started calling Armistice Day, Veteran’s Day. It was a way that people all across America could say thanks to Veterans and remember those who gave their lives to preserve freedom. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th of each year Veteran’s Day.

In 1968 the date was changed so that Veteran’s Day was to be observed on the fourth Monday of October. People protested, stating that November 11th had historical significance. After ten years of protesting, Congress returned the day of observance to it’s original date of November 11th.

There you have a little history of Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day is still the day set aside for all American’s to remember all those who have fought and lost their lives for America. It is also the day to thank a Vet for his service to our great country. Also, remember those who are actively serving today in our Military.

But, why should we only observe all this on November 11th? We should be grateful everyday for those who gave all, for those who have served America in the Armed Forces, and for those who are currently serving  for our country. Attend a Veteran’s Day parade, service or observance today and shake the hand of a Vet and tell him thank you. Tell a family that you know who has lost a loved one fighting for America that you appreciate their sacrifice and the sacrifice of the one they lost. Hug a soldier if you see one today. Then extend that same acknowledgement everyday of the year.

God Bless Our Troops! God Bless America!