The background of Veterans Day

In 1921, an unknown American soldier from World War I was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, on a hill overlooking our nation’s capital. It turns out that similar ceremonies had previously taken place in England and France; an unknown soldier was buried in each country’s most esteemed places – Westminster Abbey in London and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. These observances all took place on November 11^th , because an armistice – or ceasefire – was signed at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918 (the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month).

In 1926, Congress officially declared November 11^th of that year Armistice Day. Then in 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a national holiday, honoring American veterans of World War I “for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” The date was picked because even though World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, the armistice went into effect on November 11^th of 1918. That’s why we celebrate on November 11^th, and that’s why the holiday was originally called Armistice Day. Its name was changed to Veteran’s Day in 1954 and became a way to pay our respects to American veterans of all wars, not just those of WWar I.