On Wednesday, November 11, 2015, we will observe Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is a public holiday that is
dedicated to honoring anyone who has served in the United States military. The
holiday began as a day to remember the end of World War I and was declared a
holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Originally known as Armistice Day,
the holiday became Veterans Day in 1954.
When Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th
a holiday, the primary intention was to have a day to reflect on the sacrifices
of those who had served in the military during World War I. Observation of the
holiday through parades and meetings was envisioned.
Today, many Americans observe the day by
attending ceremonies and parades that are dedicated to honoring the troops for
their service. These often allow veterans to speak about their time in the
service and give Americans the opportunity to personally thank veterans for
their sacrifice.
Veterans Day always falls on the 11th
of November, but it may be observed on a different day due to the fact that it
is a federal holiday. Federal employees and schoolchildren typically have the
day off work and school, so the holiday is observed on the Monday following the
actual date of the holiday if it happens to fall on a weekend.
November 11th was chosen as the
official date for Veterans Day in reference to the ending of World War I.
Germany signed an armistice with the Allies that signaled the end of the war on
at 11 a.m. on November 11 1918.
