Why is Today Veteran’s Day?

There are many great dates in our country’s history like July 4th, December 7th or June 6th so why is November 11th Veteran’s Day? We are not the only country that celebrates this date for our veterans so why November 11th?

In June of 1914 the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was killed in the streets of Sarajevo which kicked off the Great War or World War 1. The war lasted just over four years and saw over 45 countries involved including the United States. By the end of the war over 9 million solders were killed and Europe was a war torn mess.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month hostilities ended as the armistice with Germany went into effect. At the time most thought that the end of World War 1 would mark the end of war what it really did was set the stage for WW2.

In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th Armistice Day in America. There are seven other countries that also mark that date to remember those who fell in World War 1.

In May of 1938 a Congressional Act made November 11th a national holiday to be dedicated to world peace. In 1945 Raymond Weeks, a WW2 veteran, led a campaign to have Armistice Day expanded to include all veterans not just those from World War 1.

General Dwight Eisenhower supported the idea of National Veterans Day and in 1947 the first national celebration of Veteran’s Day took place. That is why November 11th is Veteran’s Day in the United States, so make sure you thank a veteran today.