How Armistice Day Became Veteran’s Day
By Adrienne Logue
GSL Vice-President
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, a ceasefire was issued between the Germans and the Allies signifying the close of the “war to end all wars“. WWI took major tolls on life, infrastructure and economics, inevitably setting the stage for more wars to follow.
President Wilson proclaims the day as Armistice Day the following year. The states then began observing Armistice Day annually. However, the federal government did not make it an official national holiday until 1938, just in time for Hitler and, consequently, WWII to begin in Europe. Congress changed Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day in 1954 signifying a holiday to honor all American veterans in all conflicts and wars from the beginning of our country’s history.
In the words of the great President Ronald Reagan: “Peace fails when we forget what we stand for. It fails when we forget that our republic is based on firm principles, that with them we are the last best hope of man. Peace is only maintained and won by those who have clear eyes and brave minds. In memory of those who gave the last full measure of devotion, may our efforts to achieve lasting peace gain strength.”
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