Facts you may not know about Veterans Day
Over time, we may forget the “why” behind many of our country’s most celebrated holidays. The lines get blurred, and the meaning gets lost. Veterans Day is a time to honor all who have served in the armed forces and remember what they sacrificed for our freedom. It’s a day to say “thank you, “spend time together, and encourage veterans to reflect on their journey. While most of us know why November 11 is a federal holiday, here are some interesting details you may need to learn.
The original name was Armistice Day.
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson designated November 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I and honor U.S. soldiers who had died in battle. The day became a legal holiday in 1938 dedicated to world peace. President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to change the name to Veterans Day in 1958, and the day became dedicated to veterans of all wars.
- President Gerald Ford returned the date to November 11 to coincide with the historical significance of the end of World War I.
- The Uniform Holiday Bill, signed in 1968, ensured three-day weekends for Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day.
- The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act was signed by President Barack Obama in 2016 and established that each President will order a two-minute national moment of silence on November 11 at 2:11 p.m. (EST) every year.
The Oldest Parade is in New York City
New York City holds the distinction of having the oldest and largest Veterans Day Parade. The celebration, which travels along 5th Avenue, was first held to honor Armistice Day in 1919.
Flags are not flown at half-staff
Flying a flag at half-staff symbolizes respect, distress, mourning, or salute. Veterans Day is meant to focus on celebration and honor; therefore, flags are not flown at half-staff. However, you will notice many flags waving from homes and businesses with personalized messages saluting specific groups of veterans.
Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
Every year, the president or a representative attends a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. While a bugler plays “Taps,” a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony then moves inside to the Memorial Amphitheatre, where a color guard comprised of Armed Forces members presents the parade of flags.
Other Countries Celebrate Too
The U.S. is not the only country that honors its military. Canada and Australia have designated November 11 as “Remembrance Day.” The United Kingdom honors its veterans on the second Sunday in November.
- The people of Great Britain lay wreaths of red poppies at the Cenotaph, a war memorial built after World War 1. Former service members march to Trafalgar Square in celebration of Remembrance Day. The country observes two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m.
- Canadians wear red poppies to honor their war dead.
Veterans Day Differs from Memorial Day
Veterans Day is set aside to recognize the contributions of all living veterans who have served honorably in the military during war and peace. Whereas Memorial Day honors military personnel who have died in battle or were mortally wounded. While it is only natural to remember our fallen soldiers on Veterans Day, their service is officially honored on Memorial Day.
Wearing Red Poppies
This tradition is practiced on Memorial Day rather than Veterans Day. The poem Flander Fields, written by John McCrae, originated the practice of wearing red poppies. They are distributed by Veterans service and military organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and military organizations.
On Veterans Day, November 11, remember to stop at 2:11 p.m. (EST) and observe two minutes of silence to honor Veterans and remember their sacrifice. Most of us know someone who is a veteran—they are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, family, and friends. In some cases, you are the veteran. Make it a point to say “thank you” to someone or honor the day in your way.
