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In the United States, we celebrate Veterans Day every November 11 as a way of honoring the people who have served in our armed forces.
Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, to mark the anniversary of the end of hostilities in World War One. Major hostilities of World War One ended when the Armistice with Germany went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
The first Armistice Day was proclaimed by US President Woodrow Wilson on November 11, 1919. In making the proclamation, President Wilson said, “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.”
The name Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all US veterans.
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we remember the sacrifices made by the people in uniform: the sacrifices of time, health, effort, family, body, and sometimes life. Without regard to politics or other beliefs, we salute the people who make the sacrifice.
Thank you for your service.
