Veteran's Day

Welcome to another five minute journey! Veteran’s Day originally began as Armistice Day.  Every November 11 we have a holiday set aside to honor those who have served in our armed forces. Armistice Day goes back to the end World War 1, in 1918, with no more fighting on November 11 in the 11th hour.  On this unique day we get to remember those who have made sacrifices in their lives missing family events, serving in various places around the globe and representing the American people to embody a true sense of diversity, equity and inclusion.  These servicemembers risk the possibility of being called into battle at any time and in time of peace and ware alike they work to accomplish the purposes of promoting the common defense as set forth in our Declaration of Independence.

As a quick history of the Federal holiday, veteran’s day was observed with the burial of an unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This commemorative event brought a sense of reverence towards those who serve and have served.  Congress approved Armistice Day officially in 1926.  Then 12 years later in 1938 became a National Holiday with congressional approval.  Following World War 2 with 16.5 million having served in the War, 417,000 of them died in service and over 292,000 in battle.  In 1954, President Eisenhower signed for the term “armistice” and it was adjusted to become “veterans” to honor the veterans of the wars. In 1968 the holiday was changed to be the fourth Monday of October with the signing of the Uniform Holiday Bill.  This was put into effect to be observed on Monday October 25 in 1971.  Then in 1975 President Gerald R Ford brought the Veteran’s Day observance back to 11/11 for 1978 and thereafter.  Take a moment with me to honor all those have served in your family and in our larger family as people of the United States of America.