With two brothers-in-law in the Army, military life becomes a natural part of our family. While we don’t all live it every day like my sisters-in-law and their children, it effects each of us differently. Just as I’m sure Veteran’s Day effects Americans differently. Some will visit graves to commemorate those who’ve gone before, some will celebrate with barbecues, keeping their families close and reminiscing about the “good ole days”, and still some will sit alone, preferring the company of just themselves over the crowds of humanity.
Since 1919, we have celebrated some form of veteran appreciation day. President Woodrow Wilson first named the day, which was designated on November 11, to be “Armistice Day.” This day recognized the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, in the 11th hour of the 11th day of November, 1918; which effectively ended World War I.
In 1938, November 11th became a legal Federal holiday, and from 1941 through 1953, millions of World War II and Korean War Veteran’s would return home. The first national celebration of “Veteran’s Day” took place in 1947, eight years before the holiday was officially renamed.
By the time President Dwight Eisenhower signed a measure to make it a legal holiday, in 1954, the day had been renamed Veteran’s Day, on a recommendation by Raymond Weeks, to honor the service of all military veteran’s from all of America’s wars, whether they be alive or dead.
While Congress passed a law to commemorate Veteran’s Day on the fourth Monday in October, it never took well with most of the states and by 1975 most of them had reverted back to celebrating the holiday on November 11th. In 1978, the law was scratched and once again, November 11th became the official “Veteran’s Day.”
Veteran’s Day has been a standing, and honored holiday and tradition in our country for nearly a century now, and as time passes we have more and more reasons to keep that tradition alive and well. We have an obligation to teach our children why holidays like Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day are important. We need to teach future generations to respect both those who are currently serving and those who have already served to provide peace of mind for those who call the United States, “home.” For there is no greater tragedy than for us to forget the sacrifices that these brave men and women have made and continue to make every day, so that we can continue to live free!