The day after the Marines’ birthday is Veterans Day – November 11. Veterans Day is a day to honor those who have served in any of the U.S. Armed Forces. This American holiday coincides with other holidays in different parts of the world that also mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.
Ninety five years ago, President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed November 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
The day was originally celebrated with parades, public meetings and a brief breaks for all businesses beginning at 11:00am. In 1938, the 11th of November became an official legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace. In 1954, at the urging of veterans, the Act of 1938 was passed. This act replaced the word Armistice with the word Veterans, and since that time we’ve celebrated Veteran’s Day and honored all American veterans every year on Nov. 11