Why do we celebrate Veteran’s Day?
On Veteran’s Day, we celebrate all the men and women who served in the United States Military. The branches of the military include Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and the Marine Corps.
Sometimes people get Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day confused. Veteran’s Day is different from Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors those men and women who have died while serving in the United States military, while Veteran’s Day celebrates all those who served.
When is Veteran’s Day?
Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11th. On November 11th, 1918 an armistice was signed marking the end of World War 1. An Armistice is an agreement between two sides fighting in a war to stop fighting.
In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day. The day was a day to honor those who fought during World War 1.
In 1938 Armistice Day became a national holiday in the United States.
Years later congress wanted to change Armistice Day. They wanted to honor all veterans that served in all wars including World War 1, World War 2, and the Korean War. IN 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation and Armistice Day was officially changed to Veteran’s Day to honor all veterans who served in all U.S wars.
Who Celebrates Veteran’s Day?
Veteran’s Day is an American holiday. It is celebrated in all 49 out of 50 states. Wisconsin is the only state that doesn’t recognize Veteran’s Day as a holiday.
How is Veteran’s Day Celebrated?
Veteran’s Day is celebrated with parades, church services, and other events. Check your local newspaper for Veteran’s Day events in your town. On Veteran’s Day, many American flags are hung at half-mast. There are also moments of silence held at 11 AM.
On March 4th, 1921 the body of an unidentified American soldier from World War 1 was approved by congress to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. The soldier was buried on November 11th, 1921. On the back of the tomb it reads:
Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God”
Every Veteran’s Day a wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The United States President or high-ranking military office lays the wreath on the grave.
On Veteran’s Day government offices, schools, banks, and some businesses are closed. If November 11th falls on a weekend, then the day is observed on Monday.
