We are incredibly thankful for our veterans—those who have served our country with bravery and dedication—and those who continue to do so. Our great nation owes a debt of gratitude for their service, and as we celebrate Veterans Day, we honor and remember their sacrifices.
What Is Veterans Day?
Originating as "Armistice Day" on November 11th, 1919, Veterans Day originally commemorated the armistice between the Allied forces and Germany that was accomplished on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month." A few months earlier on June 28th, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending World War I. However, the day of the ceasefire, Armistice Day, marked the true end of hostilities with Germany and the "war to end all wars."
In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson designated November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, stating, "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…"
Making It Official
In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance of Armistice Day. Then in 1938, November 11th became a national holiday, primarily as a day set aside to honor WWI veterans. However, in 1954, after WWII and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This day was also imbued with more meaning; it was now a day to commemorate veterans of all wars, living or deceased.
In 1968, the day underwent yet another change as the Uniforms Holiday Bill was passed, mandating three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays. These included Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. As a result of the bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October to accommodate the three-day weekend.
With this change, the first Veterans Day under the new law was observed on October 25th, 1971. Unfortunately, it caused great confusion. Despite the update, many states and local governments continued to celebrate the holiday on November 11th, because they wanted to mark the date's historical significance. This lasted for several years, and it wasn't until September 20th, 1975, that President Gerald Ford signed a law returning Veterans Day's annual observance to its original date of November 11th. The law took effect in 1978, and since then, everyone has been aligned—the Veterans Day holiday is observed on November 11th.
The date underwent a revision one last time, with an expansion granted over 30 years later. Under President George W. Bush, the United States Senate Resolution 143 was passed on August 4th, 2001; it designated the week of November 11th through November 17th, 2001, as "National Veterans Awareness Week," aiming to promote an understanding of veterans and the sacrifices they make for our country across elementary and middle schools.
How Is Veterans Day Celebrated?
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, both those alive and those who have passed. It honors them for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to sacrifice their lives for the common good.
Every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Arlington National Cemetery holds an annual memorial service for the deceased. Over 400,000 people, most of whom served in the military, are buried at the cemetery. Since Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada were also involved in WWI and WWII, they also commemorate the veterans on or near November 11th: Canada celebrates Remembrance Day and Britain observes Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, as well as the Commonwealth countries, two minutes of silence are observed at 11:00 AM on November 11th.
As a national holiday, all government businesses are closed in observance of Veterans Day. The day is commonly marked by parades and public celebrations to thank veterans for their service. It is also common for the American flag to be hung at half-mast, and for two minutes of silence to be observed at 11:00 AM. At the Naval Academy, classes are canceled on November 11th to honor the occasion. The USNA also hosts the Veterans Classic men’s basketball games, which take place on November 8th this year. Now in its 11th year, the tournament pays homage to our nation’s veterans, and honors veterans from all service branches during the Friday night doubleheader games. Additionally, the USNA participates in Wreaths Across America, to honor Veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths upon the graves of fallen veterans.
Related: Wreaths Across America: Remembering Our Veterans Always
Come Visit the Yard
Celebrate our Navy veterans by visiting the place where so many got their start. When you spend time on the Yard, you’re giving back to the midshipmen who give their all for our freedom. Every USNA tour, dining experience, and shopping excursion to the USNA Gift Shop or Navyonline.com helps fund extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports, and more. These build crucial camaraderie and teamwork amongst the Brigade. So take some time to reflect on the sacrifice of our veterans this Veterans Day, and celebrate their past and present service. Come be a part of history on the Yard!
