10 Veterans Day History Facts You Didn’t Know

Ashley | 11 - 10 - 2021
Veterans Day History

The Veterans Day history is unique and filled with American valor. Get to know the unknown facts about Veterans Day with this quiz. 

When Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is always celebrated on the 11th of November every year. It’s a nationwide holiday for non-essential federal workers and others. Individuals may either get a paid holiday, a day off or special pay for working on Veterans Day.

Why Is Veterans Day on November 11?

Do you know when Veterans Day started? Veterans day was first celebrated to recognize the end of World War I which was officialized on 11th November 1918.  The day was later on announced as an official holiday in 1938. In the 70s it was celebrated as a three-day weekend like Columbus and Memorial Day. President Gerald R. Ford amended the law to celebrate the event on an original day to avoid confusion in 1975. 

Who First Proposed That Armistice Day Be Renamed Veterans Day?
  • A. President Woodrow Wilson
  • B. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
  • C. President James Madison
  • D. President Gerald R. Ford

Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day?

Do you know that 10% of American adults (19 million) are veterans? Veterans Day and Memorial Day are the only two holidays dedicated to the US militia. While Veterans Day is celebrated to honor those who served for the nation, the sacrifices made by their families, and other troop members. Memorial Day on the other hand is recognized to honor those who died in active duty serving the nation. 

What Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day until World War II.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it Veterans Day in 1954. It is celebrated every year to recognize, honor, and thank war veterans. A war veteran is a person who retired from the army, navy or airforce under honorable circumstances after serving the nation for a considerable period of time or after participating in significant fights. 

Veterans Day History 

The most famous Veterans day celebrations take place at the Arlington Cemetery. President Woodrow Wilson announced the first-ever Veterans Day celebration after the end of World War I. It was signed on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. The 2021 Veterans Day celebration will be held in the National Veterans Resource Center for the first time.

The red poppy is the official flower of Veterans Day and any other national program of the American Legion. The day was once celebrated on the 4th Monday of October for some reason.  It is not offensive or insensitive to wish ‘Happy Veterans Day’ to soldiers and their family members.

Out of the 45 US presidents, 31 of them have been part of the American militia in some way. James Madison was the only President to have fought in a battle while serving office. George W. Bush is currently the last POTUS to have served in the military.

How to Celebrate Veterans Day?

The Veterans Day ceremony is the most significant celebration of the event. People participate in parades, latest war veterans are honored by the respective authorities for their courage and valor on the battlefield. You can also donate money, vehicles, and other goods to Veteran organizations that aid veterans or their families who are disabled and don’t have any other source of income to lead a normal life.

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