Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Have Served

Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Have Served

11/8/2021

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Celebrating Veterans Day

Each year on November 11, we recognize Veterans Day to honor our former military members. Depending on how old you are, you might remember changes to the date for Veterans Day over the years. Let’s take a quick look at the timeline of what has become our day to recognize America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice.

1918: This year marked the end of World War I. Although the war officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, fighting had ceased seven months earlier on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—Nov. 11, 1918. That’s when the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect.

1919: A year later to the day, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919, as the first commemoration of what was known as Armistice Day.

1938: An official act was approved in 1938, designating Armistice Day on Nov. 11 as a legal holiday for honoring our WWI veterans.

1954: After both World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the Act of 1938, removing the word "Armistice" and replacing it with "Veterans." As such, Nov. 11 became the official day to honor American veterans of all wars.

1968: The Uniform Holiday Bill created three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays, including Veterans Day, moving Veterans Day away from its historically significant date.

1975: President Gerald Ford signed a law that returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11.

Observing Veterans Day

USBA is proud to honor the men and women who have bravely served our country with our Veterans Day 2021 eCard.

If you’d like to show your appreciation on Veterans Day, consider the following ideas:

  1. Fly your American flags.
  2. Observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.
  3. Shop at veteran-owned businesses.
  4. Attend a local Veterans Day parade.
  5. Volunteer at a local veterans organization or VA hospital.
  6. Donate to an organization that supports veterans.
  7. If you know someone serving overseas, send a care package. (Be sure to follow these mail guidelines)

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

USBA is a not-for-profit Association that provides group life insurance, health insurance supplements, and other products and services to military personnel, Federal employees, National Guard and Reserve members, Veterans and their families.

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