About Veterans Day
Veterans Day is observed every year on Nov. 11. Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day, which was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.
Armistice Day recognizes the end of World War I, when fighting ceased at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. (November 11th at 11 A.M, 1918).
On Nov. 11, 1947 Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized a “National Veterans Day” parade in Birmingham, Alabama, to recognize veterans of all wars, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
According to the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau official site, “In 1953 Veterans Day was organized and celebrated in Emporia, Kansas; one year prior to the first nationwide observance on November 11, 1954.”
These celebrations may have influenced Congress to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize veterans of all U.S. wars.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower made November 11 the official national observance of Veterans Day after Kansas Congressman Ed Rees (who was from Emporia) proposed the bill in Congress to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
According to History.com, Veterans Day wasn’t always held on Nov. 11. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, moving Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October beginning in 1971. But, in 1975 President Gerald Ford returned the observance to Nov. 11.
See our Veterans Day Facts infographic.
Veterans Day Moment of Silence
On Veterans Day, Americans observe a two-minute moment of silence beginning at 3:11 p.m. Atlantic standard time to honor of the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout history.
People in different time zones can observe the moment of silence at these times:
The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act become law in 2016.
Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of a wound sustained in battle.
Veterans Day is intended to thank all those who honorably served in the military – in wartime or peacetime.
Anthem Veterans Memorial: A Unique Place to Visit on Veterans Day
The Anthem Veterans Memorial has five pillars that represent the five branches of the United States Military. They are staggered in size. The military-seal placements on each pillar are based upon the Department of Defense’s prescribed precedence.
The Anthem was built before the sixth branch of the military, the United States Space Force, was created.
The memorial is designed so that at precisely 11:11 a.m. on Veterans Day, the sun’s rays will pass through each of the five pillars’ elliptical openings to illuminate a glass-mosaic medallion of the Great Seal of the United States.
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