Veterans Day – Basic Facts & Information

The Importance of November 11 in U.S. History and Present

Oct 27, 2009 Katrena Wells

Learn basic facts about Veterans Day, such as the history of the holiday, America's wars, military branches and their songs.

Veterans Day has an interesting history in America as it was originally called Armistice Day. The date, November 11, was changed for a time but later reinstated due to the historical significance of that original date. Many veterans served during times of war – see a list of America’s wars as well as the five branches of America’s military and their songs.

Why was Veterans Day Originally Called Armistice Day?

President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first Armistice Day on November 11 in 1919 to honor veterans of World War I. This date was chosen because Allied Nations and Germany temporarily halted hostilities (otherwise known as an armistice) on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day was originally intended to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with parades, meetings, and a short suspension of business.

In 1938, Armistice Day became an official national holiday that was celebrated on November 11. Veterans service organizations played a role in getting the holiday’s name changed to Veterans Day in 1954 as Dwight D. Eisenhower called on Americans to commit toward achieving peace and to honor all veterans who have served with honor in the military during times of peace and war.

Has Veterans Day Always Been Celebrated on November 11?

Between 1971 and 1977, Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday in October due to the Uniform Holiday Bill that was passed in 1968. After urging from veterans organizations, legislators, and citizens, the Veterans Day holiday was once again returned to November 11 due to the significance of the World War I armistice on that date. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is now held each year on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

What are America’s Wars?

Veterans Day honors veterans who have served in wartime and times of peace. The United States has been involved in several wars over the years, including:

• World War I (1917-1918)
• World War II (1941-1945)
• Korean War (1950-1953)
• Vietnam War (1964-1975)
• Gulf War (1990-1991)
• War on Terror (2001-Present)

What are the Branches of the United States Military?

Veterans Day honors men and women who have honorably served in any of America’s five military branches:

• United States Air Force
• United States Army
• United States Coast Guard
• United States Marine Corps
• United States Navy

All of these branches except the Coast Guard are under the Department of Defense with the President of the United States as the Commander in Chief. The Coast Guard is normally under the Department of Homeland Security and is headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, but it may be placed under the Department of Defense during a times of war.

Military Songs for America’s Service Branches

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs article entitled “Military Songs,” the following are songs for the different branches of service:

• “The Army Goes Rolling Along”
• “The Marines’ Hymn”
• U.S. Navy “Anchors Aweigh”
• “The U.S. Air Force”
• U.S. Coast Guard “Semper Paratus”

Remembering Veterans Day is Time Well Invested

Veterans Day is a holiday designed to honor and recognize the dedication and sacrifice of America’s veterans. By taking the time to learn basic facts about this holiday, readers can begin to pass on this rich heritage to future generations. Readers may also be interested in reading about:

• How to Make Veterans Day Come Alive for Children
• Tomb of the Unknowns
• Role of the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II

Source:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site

The copyright of the article Veterans Day – Basic Facts & Information in Curricula/Lesson Plans is owned by Katrena Wells. Permission to republish Veterans Day – Basic Facts & Information in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Parades are a Popular Way to Honor U.S. Veterans	Woodrow Wilson Declared 1st Armistice Day in 1919	Eisenhower Changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a Time to Honor America's Veterans	Many People Visit the Wall to Honor Veterans

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Nov 9, 2009 8:03 AM

Guest :

who changed armisticeday to veteransday

Nov 9, 2009 8:03 AM

Guest :

what is a veteran

Nov 9, 2009 8:25 AM

Katrena Wells :

Thanks for your question about the change of Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Congress actually passed that law in 1954 under the leadership of Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. There's a picture of Eisenhower signing the document near the bottom of this article, in case you're interested in seeing that historical occasion.

Nov 9, 2009 8:31 AM

Katrena Wells :

This article is geared toward American veterans, so that term may have different definitions in other countries. Generally speaking, a veteran is someone who has served active duty in the military for a minimum number of days and is honorably discharged or incurred a service-related injury or death if serving less than the minimum amount of time. Here's a website with a chart, in case you are interested: http://www.mass.gov/mtrs/2members/20active/20vetsbill.htm
This topic would make a great article, so I'll put that on my list for future ideas!

Nov 9, 2009 11:13 AM

Guest :

you taught me a lot about Veterans day thank you



from:anonomous

Nov 9, 2009 12:45 PM

Katrena Wells :

Thanks so much for your kind comments on my Veteran's Day article!

6 Comments