USA Veterans Day
USA officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of USA Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
“We’re USA heading towards fascism. And to me, we have to be out on the streets,” USA Navy veteran Bob Peilbach said.“It just makes no sense to me, the approach that we are taking,” Army veteran Susan O’Neill said.
USA Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: USA celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good..
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate USA ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor Veterans of World War I,
In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out 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.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” (PDF) which stated: “In order to insure 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. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”
In 1958, the White House advised VA’s General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee’s chairman.
The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.On Veterans Day, as Wisconsin honors the more than 360,000 veterans across the state, former service members now working in the state Capitol say support for veterans is needed more than ever.While speaking to “Wisconsin Today,” state Rep. Benjamin Franklin, R-De Pere, and Rep. Angelito Tenorio, D-West Allis, agreed that veterans’ needs should go beyond partisan politics. 
Franklin, who served most of his adult life in the U.S. Air Force, is the vice chair on the Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and has authored legislation to fund veterans housing support and co-sponsored Democratic legislation as well.
“I do not want to use veterans as political footballs,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s a Democrat-authored bill. I don’t care if it’s a Republican-authored bill. A good bill is a good bill.”The legislation is in response to the September closure of facilities for homeless veterans in Chippewa Falls and Green Bay. The facilities provided veteran support for transitional housing, job training and substance abuse counseling. After closing, roughly 40 veterans had to relocate, some out of state.The Republican-led Joint Finance Committee pulled $1.95 million in proposed funding for the The Veterans Housing and Recovery Program, which funds the facilities, from the current state budget.The Veterans Administration estimates that in January 2024 more than 32,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness nationwide, including 351 in Wisconsin.
At least four different pieces of legislation have been introduced to address housing for veterans.In total, there are 12 bills related to veterans that lawmakers are considering. The bills address issues related to mental health, substance use and tax credits. None have made it to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk.Tenorio, who served in the Wisconsin National Guard from 2015 to 2018, has co-sponsored bills for mental health and substance use support. In the fiscal year 2018, more than 1.7 million veterans received treatment at a mental health specialty program.“(The Committee) is a place where we can have bipartisanship because veterans, they’ve served our country, they’ve put their lives on the line, and their families too, and it’s really important that we honor the contract,” Tenorio said.The demonstration targeted ICE operations, cuts to social programs and what organizers fear could be future deployments of National Guard troops to the city under the
Mamdani administration.
“We’re actually saying, ‘Vets say no war in our cities.’ So no ICE, no cuts to vital services while we’re increasing spending for militarized police or endless wars abroad,” organizer Thom Keppen said.
Keppen served in Afghanistan. He says National Guard members could be ordered into city streets. Veterans want leaders to make clear what happens if those orders conflict with their oath.
“We want Kathy Hochul to say, ‘If you defy these illegal and immoral orders, we’ll defend you,” Keppen said.For others, those concerns echo lessons from their own service decades ago.“I was against what’s been going on since I got out of the Army because I saw the racism in this country. And now they’re arresting people on the basis of their skin color,” Army veteran Tarak Kauff said.Veterans Day marks the armistice that ended World War I, a holiday first created as a reminder of peace. These veterans say honoring service also means confronting what they see as threats at home.“Your oath is to the Constitution. The oath is not to your commanding officers,” Army veteran Michael Handy said.You already know why Veterans Day is important. You are the service members, veterans or family and friends of veterans who stay up-to-date on military news, pay, benefits, fitness and veteran jobs.
Related: Veterans Day Restaurants Deals and DiscountsVeterans Day -- originally called Armistice Day -- began as an occasion to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service. It falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.
In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed from "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day" in order to recognize veterans of all wars.Related: Learn about the history of Veterans DayWe celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of 
country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.\Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.Veterans Day is celebrated across the U.S. with a variety of events to honor and recognize the service of military veterans.Each year on November 11, there is a prominent Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where the president traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In addition to the wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery, several other prominent national Veterans Day ceremonies take place across the United States, including:
- National World War II Memorial: Located in Washington, D.C., this memorial hosts an annual ceremony featuring speeches by dignitaries and veterans, as well as a wreath-laying event to honor those who served during World War II.
- Veterans Day National Ceremony: Also held at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., this event includes the traditional reading of the names of veterans who have passed away in the last year, along with musical tributes and speeches.
- California's Veterans Day Ceremony: Held at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, this ceremony features a program that includes musical performances, speeches from state officials, and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor California veterans.
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: This memorial in Washington, D.C., hosts special ceremonies that often include the reading of names of fallen soldiers and other tributes to Vietnam veterans, emphasizing remembrance and reflection.
These ceremonies serve to honor and remember the sacrifices of veterans, providing opportunities for reflection.Communities large and small across the United States host parades, ceremonies, speeches, wreath-laying events, concerts, and military displays for Veterans Day. Organizations including schools often hold programs featuring veterans as guest speakers.For Veterans Day, many events across the U.S. are now livestreamed, especially since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, allowing people to participate from anywhere. Virtual options allow more inclusivity and accessibility.Some of the national ceremonies, such as the one held at Arlington National Cemetery, are often live-streamed, providing viewers the opportunity to witness the wreath-laying and other tributes. Additionally, many local communities, schools, and organizations use YouTube, Zoom or social media platforms to host virtual events like webinars, panel discussions with veterans, and online tributes that feature video montages, speeches, and concerts.
How to Honor Veterans on Veterans Day
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Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank those who have served in the military for their sacrifices and dedication. It's an important day to show appreciation.You might consider writing a heartfelt letter or spending time with a veteran, listening to their stories and sharing their experiences. Volunteering at a local veterans' organization or donating to nonprofits that support veterans' health and well-being can also make a meaningful impact. Even simple acts like attending a Veterans Day ceremony or flying the American flag show respect and solidarity. Attending Events
Attend a Veterans Day event in your area -- not just a picnic with friends but an honest-to-goodness parade or service for veterans. Roy Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Veterans Day is a great opportunity to do just that.Volunteering with a Veterans Organization
Volunteering with veteran organizations is a great way to give back to those who have served. You could visit veterans in hospitals or retirement homes to provide much-needed companionship and conversation, especially to elderly or disabled veterans who may feel isolated.For those with professional skills, you could help out in areas like legal advice, financial counseling, or job search assistance for those veterans who are transitioning to civilian life.Or you can simply look around your neighborhood, social group or place of worship to identify veterans who could use a hand
Many schools do close on Veterans Day. Public school holidays are set by local school boards, while private school holidays are set by private officials. State and private school college holidays are set much the same way. Check with your local school to confirm its calendar.
Inspirational Veterans Day quotes are a meaningful way to honor the service and sacrifice of military veterans. They often focus on themes like courage, patriotism, and gratitude, helping to remind us of the dedication and resilience of those who serve.
- "In war, using their native language, they relayed secret messages that turned the course of battle. At home, they carried for decades the secret of their own heroism." - President George W. Bush (said in 2001 while honoring Native American Code Talkers, who played a crucial role during World War II.)
- "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived." -- George S. Patton, a prominent U.S. Army general during World War II.
- "The unparalleled perseverance of the armies of the United States, through almost every possible suffering and discouragement for the space of eight long years, was little short of a standing miracle." -- General (and future President) George Washington as he praised American forces' perseverance despite hardships during the Revolutionary War.
- "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." -- Joseph Campbell, mythologist
- "The nicest veterans ... the kindest and funniest ones, the ones who hated war the most, were the ones who'd really fought." -- author Kurt Vonnegut, 1969, in "Slaughterhouse-Five."
Posted on 2025/11/12 10:18 AM