Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the ending of the hostilities in WWI between Germany and the Allied Nations in 1918. America honors all veterans who have served in the armed forces in the United States.

Known as, “Armistice Day,” the federal holiday became legal in 1938. Following WWII and the Korean War, Armistice Day was officially known as Veterans Day, which was dedicated to all veterans who fought in all wars.

United States President Woodrow Wilson asked that the day be observed with public gatherings and parades with a moment of silence occurring at 11:00 am on 11/11. In 1921, an unidentified US soldier who was killed in the war was officially buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.

From Armistice to Veterans Day

With the mobilization of the Air Force, Marines, Navy and the US Army, in WWII, lobbyists amended the act getting rid of Armistice Day in favor of Veterans Day with President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing in the legislation on the first of June in 1954 making November 11 Veterans Day honoring all American veterans who were in all wars.

All over the world

Australia, France, Britain, and Canada also commemorate veterans in WWI and WWII on or near the same date. Britain celebrates Remembrance Day on the second Sunday each November, while Canada has Remembrance Day on our near November 11. The Commonwealth countries and Europe observe two minutes of silence every November 11 at 11:00 am.

In the US, a wreath is laid on the Tomb of the Unknowns each November 11 with a ceremony that takes place at the Arlington National Cemetery with parades and celebrations held in every state across the country.

With all of the discord and anger that has spread across the United States as of late, Knoxweb would like everyone to take a moment to come together and remember why this great holiday is celebrated in the first place, to honor those who have fought for this great country.

Happy Veterans Day from Knoxweb.