​It all started with The Great War.

​November 11th is celebrated nationwide as "Veteran's Day," but the holiday used to be known by a different name.

World War I (originally called The Great War, since there had not been a second world war) was said to be "the war to end all wars." This war was so terrible, people thought no one would ever fight again.

The day The G​reat War ended was a celebration nationwide, and the president named it such.

One year (1919) after the fighting stopped, Woodrow Wilson celebrated the first "Armistice Day."

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Armistice: an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce.​

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​WOODROW WILSON NAMES NOV. 11TH "ARMISTICE DAY!"

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"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, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" 

​Making it official: Armistice Day

​While Wilson celebrated the year anniversary of the end, the holiday wasn't officially on the calendar until 1938.

On May 13th, 1938, an national act was approved that made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. This holiday would be dedicated to the cause of world peace and set aside to honor veterans of World War I.

​Making some changes

Later, on June 1st, 1954, the Act of 1938 was amended by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” Now, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

​Moving dates around...

The US made a bill that changed the calendar dates for major holidays to make three-day weekends. The four national holidays that would now be celebrated on Mondays were Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day.

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The idea behind changing those holidays to Mondays was that people would be more likely to travel and participate in fun or cultural activities, which would be good for the economy.

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Unfortunately, it did not work as well as planned, and many people hated the change of date for Veterans Day.

​Back to 11/11

That is why, on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Pa law to return the annual (yearly) observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11th, beginning in 1978.

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​Celebrating the folks who have fought for our country

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.​

​THANK A VETERAN FOR THEIR SERVICE TODAY AND ALWAYS!

See you Monday, folks!​