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Veterans Day is commemorated on November 11 each year to honor military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Before 1954, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the armistice signed in 1918 that ended World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany. On Veterans Day, veterans are thanked and honored for their service to the United States of America.
“Our soldiers have nobly fought to protect freedom since our country’s birth, and have fought to protect those that could not protect themselves, even in foreign lands when called upon.” – John Linder
Veterans Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 11 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 11 | Thursday |
| 2028 | November 11 | Saturday |
History of Veterans Day
The day marks the signing of the Armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Armistice Day was first observed on November 11, 1919. President Wilson proclaimed that Veterans Day should be filled with solemn pride for the heroism of veterans who died in the country’s service. In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and proclaimed that Armistice Day should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving. Congress also requested that the president call upon officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings on November 11. They urged the people of the country to observe the day in schools, churches, and other suitable places with appropriate commemorations of friendly relations with all other nations.
On May 13, 1938, an act was passed (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) to officially declare November 11 as Armistice Day. In 1954, veterans’ service organizations urged Congress to change the name from “Armistice” to “Veterans” to honor all American veterans. Congress approved this change on June 1, 1954. The Uniform Holiday Bill of 1968 attempted to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October, but it created confusion as many states disagreed with the decision. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which stated that Veterans Day must be celebrated on November 11.
Happy Veterans Day Quotes
“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.” Dan Lipinski
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” – Douglas MacArthur
“Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.” – Charles B. Rangel
“The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” – Abraham Lincoln
“In order to ensure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.” – John F. Kennedy:
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
“War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.” – Jimmy Carter
“It’s about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It’s about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they’ve earned when they come home. It’s about serving all of you as well as you’ve served the United States of America. Freedom is never free.” – Barack Obama
“Twenty-five million veterans are living among us today. These men and women selflessly set aside their civilian lives to put on the uniform and serve us.”
“I hope to live long enough to see my surviving comrades march side by side with the Union veterans along Pennsylvania Avenue, and then I will die happy.“
Happy Veterans Day Images
Other Celebrations on November 11
November 11 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate Veterans Day
The best way to celebrate Veterans Day is by thanking and honoring all the veterans who served in the wars for the United States of America. The day will be marked by parades across the country, and in some places, the American flag will be flown at half-mast. A moment of silence lasting two minutes will be observed at 11 a.m. nationwide. You can also post pictures and share your thoughts about Veterans Day on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #VeteransDay.