Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served
The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum would like to pose three questions to you:
Why are the numbers 11-11-11 associated with Veterans Day?
Why was this day originally called Armistice Day?
Why was the name changed to Veterans Day?
World War I, known at the time as “The Great War” officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11thday of the 11th month. For that reason November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “The war to end all wars.”
By an act of Congress on May 13, 1938, the 11th of November was made a legal holiday: “A day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter known as Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of the First World War.
In 1954, after World War II saw the greatest mobilization of manpower in the nation’s history; and after American Forces had fought in Korea, the 83rd Congress at the urging of veterans organizations amended the Act of 1938 by changing the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11th regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. Observance of Veterans Day on November 11th not only preserves the historical significance of the date; it helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The General Tommy Franks Museum staff would like to say “from Bunker Hill, to Cemetery Ridge, to San Juan Hill, from Argonne and Ardennes Forests and the jungles’ of the pacific; from Pork Chop to Hamburger Hill, to skies above to the oceans below, from the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq; THANK YOU to all who have served and those who are serving.”
Why are the numbers 11-11-11 associated with Veterans Day?
Why was this day originally called Armistice Day?
Why was the name changed to Veterans Day?
World War I, known at the time as “The Great War” officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11thday of the 11th month. For that reason November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “The war to end all wars.”
By an act of Congress on May 13, 1938, the 11th of November was made a legal holiday: “A day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter known as Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of the First World War.
In 1954, after World War II saw the greatest mobilization of manpower in the nation’s history; and after American Forces had fought in Korea, the 83rd Congress at the urging of veterans organizations amended the Act of 1938 by changing the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11th regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. Observance of Veterans Day on November 11th not only preserves the historical significance of the date; it helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The General Tommy Franks Museum staff would like to say “from Bunker Hill, to Cemetery Ridge, to San Juan Hill, from Argonne and Ardennes Forests and the jungles’ of the pacific; from Pork Chop to Hamburger Hill, to skies above to the oceans below, from the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq; THANK YOU to all who have served and those who are serving.”
Hear from General Tommy Franks about the history and significance of Veterans Day. Watch now:
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