What is the origin of Veterans Day?

Answer 1

yes This federal/state holiday didn't actually become "Veterans Day" until about 1954. Before that, it was called "Armistice Day" here in the U.S. "officially" beginning in 1938. Years before that, in 1919, one of our presidents proclaimed Nov. 11th (of that year as I understand it) "Armistice Day". It reflected what the Europeans were doing across the ocean I suppose for memorials/anniversaries?

Any how, what ever the "title" for this holiday, it originally was to "remember" those that died in WWI, and to thereafter promote peace. Something like that.

Incidentally, the choice for "November 11th" as being THE holiday/remembrance day was not done willy-nilly. It had great significance; ie, the treaty "ending" WWI was finally signed by the Germans on Nov 11th, on the 11th hour (11 o'clock on 11-11-1918).

While several countries around the world do celebrate this "Nov 11th" remembrance, not all of them call it Veterans Day, nor do all call it "Armistice Day". France still calls their's Armistice Day though.

Back in 1954 when Veterans Day actually became what it is today for us (the USA), we can actually thank a lone crusader here in the USA for his thinking that ALL veterans should be included and honored on "Armistice Day", not JUST WWI vets. About a year after he started his campaign is when Arm Day became all inclusive.

BTW, my birthday is Nov 11th. And, the day before I can celebrate another: Nov 10th- the Marines' Birthday (yes, I served).