Who started Veterans Day, and why is it celebrated every November 11? This holiday is more than a day off — it’s a tribute to the brave men and women who served and a reminder of the history behind it. Let’s explore how it all began.
From Armistice to Veterans Day
The story starts on November 11, 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when World War I officially ended. This moment marked peace after years of conflict. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to honor the soldiers who fought and died in the war.
By 1938, Congress made November 11 a federal holiday, still called Armistice Day, focused on celebrating peace. After World War II and the Korean War, veterans and lawmakers pushed for a holiday that honored all U.S. veterans, not just those from WWI.
In 1954, Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation, making November 11 a day to honor all veterans.
Who Made It Happen?
Several key people played a role in shaping Veterans Day:
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Raymond Weeks, a Navy veteran, organized a 1947 event in Alabama honoring all veterans, setting the stage for broader recognition.
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Representative Ed Rees from Kansas introduced the congressional bill that made Veterans Day official.
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President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law in 1954, cementing November 11 as the day to honor all U.S. veterans.
At one point, the holiday briefly moved to the fourth Monday of October, but in 1978 it returned to November 11, as it is observed today.
Did You Know?
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The holiday’s date reflects the exact moment World War I ended — 11 a.m., November 11, 1918.
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The official name uses no apostrophe: it’s Veterans Day, not Veteran’s or Veterans’ Day.
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While it started honoring WWI veterans, today it honors all U.S. veterans, from any conflict or peacetime service.
I’ve always seen Veterans Day as parades and flags, but learning the history makes it more meaningful. It’s not just a date; it’s a tribute to sacrifice and service. Reaching out to veterans on this day feels like continuing the legacy that started over a century ago.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919, evolved through efforts by veterans and lawmakers, and was formalized by President Eisenhower in 1954. November 11 links back to the end of World War I, but the holiday today honors all U.S. veterans. How will you recognize veterans this year?