Thank A Veteran Together
A great way for parents and kids to say thank you to our veterans is by creating a card, letter or poster,” says Kitty Harris, a Navy veteran and mom from San Diego, California. “Art is a fun way for children to express themselves and show their appreciation for our veteran communities while social distancing.
Maddie Clegg, 6, is the daughter of Air Force Lt. Col. Nathaniel Clegg, and wanted to help celebrate veterans like her dad.
She drew a soldier in a flight suit with a hat and an American flag, because thats how she sees the military every day at home, Maxine Clegg, Maddies mom shared with TODAY Parents.
How Americans Fought To Restore Veterans Day To November 11
It has been an American tradition to honor our military on the traditional time of 11:11 a.m. on November 11. But there was a time when Congress tried to move the holiday, only to face several years of strong public resistance.
The holiday was first called Armistice Day. It was established after World War I to remember the war to end all wars, and it was pegged to the time that a cease-fire, or armistice, occurred in Europe on November 11, 1918.
A year later, President Woodrow Wilson said the armistice anniversary deserved recognition.
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys 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, he said.
Armistice Day officially received its name through a congressional resolution that was passed on June 4, 1926. By that time, 27 states had made Armistice Day a legal holiday.
Then, in 1938, Armistice Day officially became a national holiday by law, when an act was passed on May 13, 1938, making November 11 in each year a legal holiday: a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.
Scott Bomboy is the editor in chief of the National Constitution Center
Help Us Celebrate Armistice Day 2022
Over one hundred years ago the world celebrated peace as a universal principle. The first World War had just ended and nations mourning their dead collectively called for an end to all wars. Armistice Day was born and was designated as a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated.”
After World War II, the U.S. Congress decided to rebrand November 11 as Veterans Day. Honoring the warrior quickly morphed into honoring the military and glorifying war. Armistice Day was flipped from a day for peace into a day for displays of militarism.
Veterans For Peace has taken the lead in lifting up the original intention of November 11th as a day for peace. As veterans we know that a day that celebrates peace, not war, is the best way to honor the sacrifices of veterans. We want generations after us to never know the destruction war has wrought on people and the earth.
Veterans For Peace has been celebrating Armistice Day almost since the organization’s inception, with a few chapters doing yearly events. Since 2008, with the passing of an official Veterans For Peace resolution, it became a VFP national effort. Each year, chapters across the country “Reclaim Armistice Day” by pushing the celebration of peace into the national conversation on Veterans Day.
Veterans For Peace is calling on everyone to stand up for peace this Armistice Day. More than ever, the world faces a critical moment and we must build a culture of peace.
Chapter 13 – Tucson, AZ
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Facts About Veterans Day You Never Knew
November 11 is Veterans Day in America, which means its time once again to learn some new and fascinating facts about Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a holiday to remember all who have served in the U.S. Military. On November 11, we celebrate the courage and sacrifices of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen. Its a day to listen to their stories and learn from their experiences.
Part of this learning means we have to educate ourselves on the meaning of Veterans Day, its history, and the many symbols and icons surrounding the day. Here are a few facts about Veterans Day that will help you understand the history and significance of this national holiday.
It Wasnt Always Called Veterans Day
![[AMHERST POLICE, NY]](https://www.disabilitytalk.net/wp-content/uploads/amherst-police-ny-veterans-day-originally-known-as-armistice-day.jpeg "[AMHERST POLICE, NY]")
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, and it was meant to be a day that celebrated the victory of the Allied forces during World War I.
In 1947, however, a World War II Vet sought to change the name. Raymond Weeks, sometimes referred to as the true Father of Veterans Day, held the first National Veterans Day celebration in Birmingham, AL. He wanted to honor all Vets in addition to those who served in WWI.
Later on, a U.S. representative from Kansas named Edward Rees officially proposed a bill to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. President Eisenhower signed the bill confirming the change in 1954.
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What Is The Meaning Of Veterans Day History Difference From Memorial Day
Veterans Day is intended to honor all the people who served in the American armed forces, both those who are alive and those who died, although it’s largely geared toward living veterans.
Often confused with Memorial Day, the key difference between Veterans Day and the May holiday is that Memorial Day is intended to honor those who gave their lives in service of their country. Veterans Day, celebrated months later on November 11, is a day to express gratitude to America’s service members, past and present, who served in both war and peace.
Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday was initially intended to commemorate the end of World War I. The war officially ended on June 28, 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed, but fighting ended months prior when the Allied forces and Germany enacted an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Since the fighting ended on November 11, 1918, that’s when Armistice Day was largely acknowledged, with President Woodrow Wilson being the first to proclaim the holiday.
“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,” Wilson said in 1919.
The Evolution Of Veterans Day
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word Armistice and inserting in its place the word Veterans. With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation which stated:
In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.
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Why Is The Holiday Called Veterans Day
While World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, the armistice halted hostilities and was the first official step in ending the war. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to honor the armistice, which also corresponded with other countries adoption of the same.
Armistice Day was recognized by Congress in 1926, and it became a legal holiday in 1938. In other parts of the world, the day is still celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.
After World War II and the Korean War, which resulted in many new veterans who hadnt served in World War I, veterans service organizations lobbied to change the name of Armistice Day. In 1954, Congress agreed, and amended the act to call the holiday Veterans Day. On October 8, 1954, President Eisenhower made the first Veterans Day Proclamation regarding this change. The day became less focused on World War I specifically and more on American veterans in general.
In 1968, more changes to the holiday were mandated. The Uniform Holiday Bill had been signed into law, and it moved Veterans Day, among other holidays, to the nearest Monday every year in order to give Federal workers three-day weekends. October 25, 1971 was the first Veterans Day celebrated on this date, and many states refused to honor it, celebrating on the traditional November 11th instead. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law to return Veterans Day to its original date, which went into effect in 1978.
Remember Why We Celebrate Veterans Day
Each year, Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week. Why Nov. 11? Its the day that signifies the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when World War I ended.
The holiday was originally called Armistice Day and was observed for the first time on Nov. 11, 1919 the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day a day to honor American veterans of all wars for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice.
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Veterans Day By The Numbers
19.5 million the approximate number of veterans in the United States. 9 million the number of veterans over the age of 65. 5.06 million the number of veterans receiving disability compensation. 2 million the number of female veterans of those receiving disability compensation. 500k the number of World War II veterans still living in the United States. 1.56 million the number of veterans in California, the highest number in the country. 1.46 million the number of veterans in Texas, the second-highest number in the country. 11% the percentage of veterans who experience homelessness. 50% the percentage of veterans experiencing homelessness who also live with a mental illness like PTSD.
Veterans Day Around The World
Veterans Day is one of many days remembering the sacrifices of those who fought in a war to protect their country. Here are some other ones from across the globe
| Country | ||
|---|---|---|
| Australia and New Zealand | ANZAC Day | |
| United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations | Remembrance Day | Observed by Canadians and other members of the Commonwealth since the end of the First World War in order to remember all those who fought and died in the line of duty. |
| South Korea | Memorial Day | South Koreans honor servicemen and civilians who have died for their country, the same month that the Korean War began. |
| Turkey | The anniversary of a major victory against the Allied Powers during the Gallipoli Campaign, commemorating Turks who have died for the country. |
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Ways To Show Vets Appreciation
Remember that Veterans Day is to honor the service of all Americans who have served, but particular the living veterans among us. Many of our vets stepped in harms way on our behalf.
Therefore, a cheery Happy Veterans Day! may not be fitting to a person who may have friends who died in combat. According to a veterans poll , 49% of vets feel uneasy with the expression, Thank you for your service. They werent sure how to respond, and preferred action to words.
But dont get hung up on not knowing exactly how to express your gratitude to a veteran. Everyone knows and appreciates a kind word and, even better, an act of kindness.
Here are 10 ways you can show vets that you appreciate the sacrifices they made:
A Short History Of Veterans Day
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day in the United States, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson celebrated the first Armistice Day in 1919.
In 1938, November 11 became a legal holiday by an act of Congress.
In 1954, this federal hoiday was changed from Armistice to Veterans Day.
Although this holiday initially honored those who perished in service to their country, when the holidays name was changed to Veterans Day, it became a day to honor ALL the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.
Each year, special ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
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From Armistice Day To Veterans Day
American effort during World War II saw the greatest mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force in the nations history some 5.7 million more served in the Korean War.
In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word Armistice in favor of Veterans. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The next development in the story of Veterans Day unfolded in 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employeesand encourage tourism and travelby celebrating four national holidays on Mondays.
The observation of Veterans Day was set as the fourth Monday in October. The first Veterans Day under the new law was Monday, October 25, 1971 confusion ensued, as many states disapproved of this change, and continued to observe the holiday on its original date.
Veterans Day Vs Memorial Day
Veterans Day often gets confused with Memorial Day, but the two are not the same. For one, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of MayVeterans Day is fixed and always occurs on November 11.
But the most distinguishing factor that differentiates Veterans Day from Memorial Day is that Veterans Day honors all armed forces while Memorial Day honors those who have passed away while in service.
Other countries also celebrate their own versions of Veterans Day by honoring their service members. Both Canada and Australia observe “Remembrance Day” on November 11 while Britain celebrates their own Remembrance Day on the Sunday that falls closest to November 11.
Dog lovers will be thrilled to know that the canines who protect and serve also get their own Veterans Day on March 13. Although the holiday is unofficial, many observe it to honor the K-9 Corps which was founded in 1942 during World War II.
There are several ways to honor our armed forces on Veterans Dayyou can hold your own moment of silence or participate in the national two minutes of silence based on your local time zone.
According to VeteranAid.org, “moments of silence begin at: 3:11 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time 1:11 p.m. Central Standard Time 12:11 Mountain Standard Time 11:11 Pacific Standard Time 10:11 a.m. Alaska Standard Time 9:11 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time.”
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The Uniform Monday Holiday Act Changed The Observed Date
Congress signed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, and it went into effect in 1971. This created a three-day weekend of four holidays: Memorial Day, Washingtons Birthday, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.
However, it also changed the observed date of Veterans Day from November 11 to the fourth Monday in October. This sparked outrage among the population, and the date was changed back for the following years celebrations.
How Does Veterans Day Differ From Memorial Day
Veterans Day and Memorial Day are similar holidays. Both recognize and honor the bravery and sacrifices of U.S. soldiers. However, theres one important distinction: Memorial Day pays respect specifically to military personnel who lost their lives while serving their country. Veterans Day instead celebrates all U.S. veterans, living or dead.
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