Veterans Day arrives Monday, Nov. 11.
The origins of the federal holiday trace back to World War I when all sides declared a truce, marking the end of warfare at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918. It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Over a century later, the holiday is still celebrated on the 11th of November, honoring those who have served in all U.S. wars, past and present. When did the commemorative day officially become a holiday? Here’s what to know.
When did Veterans Day become a holiday?
The first iteration of Veterans Day came about Nov. 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson designated it as a day to honor the veterans of World War I, though it was then known as Armistice Day.
It became a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to include those who served in World War II and the Korean War as well. Now, all veterans are honored on the day.
The date for Veterans Day moved around in the 1970s, causing much confusion, so in 1975 President Gerald R. Ford signed a law to return it to the traditional day of Nov. 11, starting in 1978.
Where was the first Veterans Day celebration?
The first celebration where organizers took the name “National Veterans Day,” where all previous military members were honored, was in 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama. The Veterans Day parade in Birmingham is the country’s oldest.
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who were killed in warfare or died of wounds they sustained in battle.
Veterans Day is when Americans are encouraged to honor all people who served in the military.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When did Veterans Day become a holiday? Looking at its history
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