As we commemorate Veterans Day, have you ever stopped to think about the meaning behind the day?
The purpose of Veterans Day is to recognize and thank ALL veterans who served or are serving our country in wartime or peacetime. It is also a special day to remember and be thankful for the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, living or deceased.
Some Americans may confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. The Department of Veterans Affairs states, “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. Veterans Day is all-inclusive — honoring all veterans, either dead or living — but intended as a day to literally thank military personnel for their service to their country.”
The United States recognizes Veterans Day each year on November 11. It is commemorated on this day to remember the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 which signaled the end of World War I. It was originally called Armistice Day, but in 1954, President Eisenhower, following an Act of Congress, proclaimed the change of name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to clarify that the day honors all veterans and not just those who served in World War I.
If you are interested in learning more about Veterans Day, we have included links to additional resources below:
History Channel – Veterans Day Facts
Military.com – The History of Veterans Day
U.S. Dept of Defense – 5 Facts to Know About Veterans Day
