Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veterans Day: A Day to Remember

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is the anniversary of the ending of the “Great War” (World War I). To commemorate this historic day, an "unknown soldier" was buried in the highest place of honor in both England (Westminster Abbey) and France (the Arc de Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on November 11, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 am, November 11, 1918—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This day became known internationally as "Armistice Day.”

In the United States, November 11 officially became known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress in 1926. It wasn't until 12 years later, through a similar act, that Armistice Day became a national holiday. Following World War II, the name of the holiday was changed (enacted June 1, 1954) to Veterans Day to honor those who died in all American wars. The day has since evolved to primarily be a time of honoring living veterans who have served in the military during wartime or peacetime, partially due to competition with Memorial Day, which primarily honors the dead.

Many nations within the British Commonwealth and throughout Europe observe a similar occasion on November 11, Remembrance Day.

How to Commemorate Veterans Day
There are many ways to commemorate Veterans Day. You can attend a flag-raising ceremony or a Veterans Day parade. Some people have picnics to celebrate or attend programs put on by their community. You can get children involved by taking them to visit a veterans hospital, or encourage them to send a letter of thanks to a veteran. You can also check your local community calendar for event listings.

Here’s another resource: The Veterans Day National Committee, in addition to planning and coordinating the National Veterans Day Ceremony, supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites. These sites conduct Veterans Day celebrations that provide excellent examples for other communities to follow.

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