Every year on November 11th, our nation celebrates Veteran’s Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have served, and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. While we all know November 11th as Veterans Day, the date has a rich and storied history that many may not know about, which is what we’ll be taking a closer look at in today’s blog. In this article, we will take a look at the origins of Veteran’s Day and how it came to be a national holiday. If that sounds interesting, keep reading below for more!
The Importance of November 11 & Armistice Day
On November 11, 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent in accordance with the Armistice, a signed agreement that effectively ended the First World War. Since that day, November 11 would go on to be a day closely associated with reflection, honor, and contemplation, and this would manifest with Armistice Day, a precursor to Veterans Day here in the United States. Armistice Day was a holiday celebrated throughout the nation to commemorate veterans of the then-recent World War.
The Lasting Traditions of Armistice Day
The holiday was a time for events such as parades and memorial services, which would both go on to be staples of Veterans Day. By 1938, Armistice Day was a federal holiday that was signed into legality by the U.S. Congress, and November 11th became a date on which businesses, schools, and other institutions would cease all activities, which they still uphold to this day.
How Veterans Day Came to Be
Following the involvement of the Armed Forces in the Second World War, Korean War, and Vietnam War, there emerged a need to commemorate the veterans of all wars, not only the First World War. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower and his administration officially changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day, the latter of which we best recognize today.
Its Lasting Significance
While many years have passed since the Armistice of 1918, there is no doubt that Veterans Day continues to bear lasting relevance in American culture and society. It remains an important event to commemorate the brave servicemen and women who have served in our nation’s conflicts over the years.
Celebrate Veterans Day at Our Veteran-Owned Bar & Grill!
Article 15 Bar & Grill is located at 10840 Wescott Lake Road in Pound, WI, and is home to great eats, drinks, and fun events all year long, including our very own Veterans Day celebrations! See our menu here on our website or give us a call at (920) 897-3253!