“to us in America, the reflection of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
An Act of Congress (52 Stat. 351, 5 US Code Sec 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. This day is to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and continued to be called “Armistice Day”.
The 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans”. With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars. On October 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veteran’s Day Proclamation.
The observance of Veteran’s Day on November 11th not only preserves the historical significance of the date but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veteran’s Day: A celebration to honor American’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The brave men and women who serve and protect the United States come from all walks of life: they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers. They are an important part of our communities. So on this November 11th Veteran’s Day, give “thanks” to living Veterans in your community who served our country honorably during wartime or peacetime.
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