Why we celebrate Veterans Day?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Veteran’s day is a tribute to soldiers of all wars. But why do we celebrate Veterans Day each year on November 11th? On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in a 1918 temporary cessation of hostilities between the allied nations and Germany went into effect. The armistice was signed and World War I concluded. Right after, November 11th, 1918 was known at the end of “the war to end all wars”.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, a day to commemorate veterans of World War I. On this day in 1919, work stopped at 11 am and the entire country celebrated together.

Congress made the annual observance official in 1939 as Armistice Day. This day has been a federal holiday ever since, now under a different name. After World War II in 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day and created the Veterans Day National Committee In France, Armistice Day is still celebrated on November 11 each year.

A Day with a Purpose.

The purpose of the Veterans Day National Committee was to unite the country in support of the Veterans. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, “The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world.” This is a department that offers benefits for veterans and services such as burial and memorials.

Each year on Veterans Day people are encouraged to remember those who have served in the military, including those who have lost their lives in war. It’s also a  day to participate in community service and show support to our veterans. As Americans, we celebrate to show thanks to those who have serviced our nation in uniform. Recently, the type of person that serves as US Veteran has expanded. Women and men from many different backgrounds join forces to protect our country. Veterans Day is also a day for citizens to celebrate the diversity of our soldiers.

It is a day of hope! A nice thing to do during this day is to bake cookies for a Veteran, mowing a Veteran’s lawn, cooking dinner for a Veteran, or attending a community event that’s purpose is to honor all veterans. At FVI, we take a moment to celebrate our own students, faculty, and staff who at some point in their lives have served our country. Today and every day, we thank you for your service.