Veterans Day gives Americans everywhere the chance to celebrate the commitment, bravery and sacrifice of generations of United States servicemen and women.
The special section in today’s edition shows that our veterans come from all walks of life and have served faithfully in several wars and conflicts, as well as giving vital service and protection in peacetime.
The day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, upon which we honor those who gave their lives in the defense of this nation and the freedom of its citizens. Veterans Day is a time to remember every veteran, whether they saw combat or served in some other role, because they all gave something of themselves while they wore a uniform.
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to commemorate the end of World War I, which officially took place on Nov. 11, 1918. In legislation passed in 1938, Nov. 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” As such, this new legal holiday honored thousands of World War I veterans.
In 1954, with the U.S. having endured through World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urging of veterans service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor all American veterans.
In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day. Under the bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday in October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971.
On Sept. 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law that returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, Veterans Day has officially been observed on Nov. 11.
Meanwhile, if you know a veteran, young or old, take time to say thank you for his or her service. Not all veterans are seeking displays and expressions of thanks — but they all deserve it.
