The History and Significance of Veterans Day

As a result of a 1945 Birmingham, Alabama parade organized by Raymond Weeks, Armistice Day was expanded to honor all veterans. In 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that moved four holidays (including Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day and Veterans Day) to the fourth Monday in October in order to create long weekend opportunities for workers. However, in 1975, President Ford signed legislation returning Veterans Day to its original date of November 11.

Origins

In the United States, Veterans Day is observed on November 11 to honor the nation’s living veterans. It has long been a tradition to give thanks for their service and sacrifice.

Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 at the urging of World War II veterans, and President Dwight Eisenhower rededicated the day. In countries that were part of the Allied nations during WWI and WWII, they also commemorate their veterans on or near November 11.

Although it may seem obvious at first glance, it is important to note that Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day. Memorial Day, celebrated on the fourth Monday in May, honors those who died while serving their country, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American military veterans, both living and dead. Similarly, Armed Forces Day honors those currently serving in the military and Women Veterans Day recognizes the contributions of female veterans. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act requiring that federal holidays be held on the same day each year. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed legislation that returned the national observance of Veterans Day to November 11, beginning in 1978.

Symbols

Many people associate poppies with Veterans Day because of the poem “In Flanders Field.” However, these red flowers have also long been associated with remembrance in Europe. They were the first flowers to bloom in the war-torn fields of France and Belgium, where they became a symbol of remembrance for those who died in World War I.

Michael’s campaign to make the poppy a national symbol of remembrance didn’t take off right away, but she eventually convinced Georgia’s American Legion chapter and the national organization to recognize the flower as the official U.S. symbol of remembrance in 1920.

In the United States, a wreath of red poppies is often placed on graves of military veterans and the flower pin is worn by many people as a symbol of remembrance. Unlike other holidays that are now celebrated on Mondays to create longer holiday weekends, Veterans Day has been restored to its original date of November 11, which preserves the historical significance of the occasion and helps focus attention on its important purpose: honoring America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Activities

Teachers can help students get excited about Veterans Day by having them make a timeline of the holiday. This activity is also a great way for students to work on their own research skills.

Students can create a poem that honors the contributions of veterans. This poem can also be used as a springboard for artwork that showcases poppies, the symbol of remembrance.

Children can sing Veterans Day songs to practice early learning skills such as counting, letter recognition and social-emotional development. This can be done in small groups or individually.

A great service project for scout troops is to visit local cemeteries and place flags on each veteran’s grave. This can be done as a one-time event or with a regular schedule depending on the needs of the community. If your school or scout troop does not have the resources to volunteer, consider donating money to veterans charities such as the Warrior Rising Program.

Meaning

Veterans Day is a day to remember and honor all of the brave men and women who have served this country in the military. It is also a time to recognize the sacrifices that they and their families have made to protect our freedoms and values. Citizens across the country take part in events such as wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attending parades, as well as giving thanks to their local veterans by offering them discounts on products or services.

It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, but in 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day to celebrate all veterans of all wars. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Act, which moved Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day to Mondays so federal employees would have three-day weekends. This change was opposed by many states who felt the original date held historical and patriotic significance, and in 1975 President Gerald Ford signed a law returning Veterans Day to November 11 starting in 1978.