Veterans are very important people in our society. They have defended our country from threats in the past, risking their lives and mental health to do so. Many Veterans have conditions like PTSD or have lost limbs during their fights. Veterans deserve our thanks which is why we celebrate Veterans Day. Veterans Day isn’t as big as Christmas or other national holidays, but it is very important for many people.

In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 to be a day to remember those who died in World War I. He designated various activities for the day, including parades and public gatherings, all in commemoration of those who fought in World War 1

On June 4, 1926, Congress formally acknowledged Armistice Day. By the time of this acknowledgment, twenty-seven legislatures had already agreed and accepted to make November 11 an official holiday dedicated to peace. Twelve years later, Congress officially instituted it as a national holiday.

Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954 when Congress, as a result of World War II and the Korean War, approved legislation to strike out the “Armistice” and replace it with “Veterans” in honor of all veterans of all wars fought by America.

The first Veterans Day in its modern context was actually not held until 1971. This featured a change in date to October 25, which was met with opposition from the public. In 1975, Gerold Ford signed a law that changed the date of the holiday back to November 11. 

This final change brought the Veterans Day that America celebrates now. The evolution of Veterans Day reflects the notion that veterans of all American wars deserve respect and acknowledgment.  It is important, as this holiday highlights, to make sure to honor those who have fought for our nation in the past and the present.