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The History of Veterans Day

by Ho Lin
eterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. State and local
the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. However, government closings are determined locally, and non- government
Vmost Americans confuse this holiday with Memorial Day, businesses can close or remain open as they see fit, regardless of
reports the Department of Veterans Affairs. federal, state or local government operation determinations.
What's more, some Americans don't know why we commemorate United States Senate Resolution 143, which was passed on Aug.
our Veterans on Nov.11. It's imperative that all Americans know 4, 2001, designated the week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 17, 2001,
the history of Veterans Day so that we can honor our former as "National Veterans Awareness Week." The resolution calls for
service members properly. educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school
A Brief History of Veterans Day students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which Memorial Day honors service members who died in service to their
officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Deceased
passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set
peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in
As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans. the military - in wartime or peacetime.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the President Eisenhower's letter to Harvey V. Higley, Administrator
Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans of Veterans' Affairs, designating him Chairman, Veterans Day
service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out National Committee
the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the The White House Office, October 8, 1954
approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day
to honor American veterans of all wars. Dear Mr. Higley:
In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends I have today signed a proclamation calling upon all of our citizens
for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 as Veterans Day. It is
Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, my earnest hope that all veterans, their organizations, and the
and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to entire citizenry will join hands to insure proper and widespread
the fourth Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this observance of this day. With the thought that it will be most helpful
decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. to coordinate the planning, I am suggesting the formation of a
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much Veterans Day National Committee. In view of your great personal
confusion on Oct. 25, 1971. interest as well as your official responsibilities, I have designated
Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed you to serve as Chairman. You may include in the Committee
membership such other persons as you desire to select and I
a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to am requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the
its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Executive branch to assist the Committee in its work in every way
Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11. possible.
Celebrating the Veterans Day Holiday I have every confidence that our Nation will respond wholeheartedly
If the Nov. 11 holiday falls on a non-workday -- Saturday or in the appropriate observance of Veterans Day, 1954.
Sunday -- the holiday is observed by the federal government on Sincerely,
Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday
falls on Saturday). Federal government closings are established DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

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