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Veterans Day
Source: US DoVA
What does Veterans Day celebrate?
Veterans Day is held in honor of all those who served in the United States Armed Forces. This is different from Memorial Day which honors those who died while serving.
When is Veterans Day celebrated?
November 11th or the nearest workday
Who celebrates this day?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States. All non-essential government agencies and many schools are closed for the day. Many other countries celebrate the day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day as November 11th marked the end of World War I.
What do people do to celebrate?
There are many parades and services throughout the country that honor veterans. The National Ceremony is held each year at Arlington National Cemetery where the president gives a speech and veterans are honored.
Most major cities such as New York City, San Diego, and Dallas have a Veterans Day parade. At many events, such as church services and football games, veterans will be asked to stand and then the crowd will honor them with applause.
Many people fly a US flag on this day to show their patriotism and support for the armed services. At 11am a moment of silence is observed to remember those who served.
If you see a veteran or soldier on Veterans Day, be sure to thank them personally for their service to our country.
History of Veterans Day
It was at 11am on November 11, 1918 that a temporary peace, or armistice, was signed and the fighting during World War I came to an end. A year later President Woodrow Wilson announced that November 11th would be called Armistice Day in the United States.
In 1938 Armistice Day became a national federal holiday. It was a day dedicated to world peace and held in honor of the veterans of World War I.
In 1954 Congress decided to change the day to Veteran's Day. This was because they wanted to honor the veterans of all wars including World War II and the Korean War.
There were a few more changes to the day. In 1968 the day was moved to the fourth Monday of November. However, it was later changed back to November 11th in 1978 by President Gerald Ford.
Fun Facts About Veterans Day
- Note that the World War I armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That should help you to remember the date that Veterans Day is observed.
- There were around 21.8 million veterans in the United States as of 2010.
- There are around 9 million veterans over the age of 65.
- Around 1.6 million veterans are women.
- General George Patton, the famous World War II general, was born on November 11th.
November Holidays
Veterans Day
World Diabetes Day
Thanksgiving
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