When is Veterans Day for 2011 and How was it Established

veterans day 2011

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, honors the living who have served their country in times of war.

Veterans Day is fast approaching and will be celebrated this Friday, November the 11th 2011. But how exactly did that date get selected? To answer the question we explored the history of Veterans Day.

The origin of Veterans Day goes back the end of World War I, which ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. The date was November 11th, 1918. The signing of an armistice agreement between Germany and the Allies marked the end of the first World War, known as the “great war” or the first “war to end all wars.”

The day, was then referred to in remembrance as Armistice Day, and was a day to commemorate the veterans who served in the war. Unfortunately, war continued beyond World War I and after World War II and the Korean War, in 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill drafted by Congress to rename the day in honor of all fallen heroes changing its name from “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day”.

While Memorial Day typically focuses on those who gave their lives in service of their country, Veterans Day is more focused on thanking the living veterans of war.

“Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” President Eisenhower read during the first Veterans Day.

About Jack Law

Jack Law - an avid soccer player and talented writer, Jack does an excellent job bringing our Sports section to life. jack_law@newstaar.com