Veteran Victory

Amber Li
Staff Writer

Although Veterans Day is celebrated to remember those who fought in wars for America, it was initially remembered as the day the Great War (World War I) ended. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson declared the date as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day initially commemorated the end of fighting between the Allies and Germany in World War I — at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.

In 1938, “Armistice Day” became a legal holiday, but was then changed to honor the cause of world peace and to commemorate the veterans of World War I. However, after World War II, it changed once more to honor all American veterans who fought in wars. The name was modified to “Veterans Day” by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and is now celebrated every November 11th regardless of which day of the week it falls on.

Countries such as Britain, France, Australia and Canada all celebrate holidays similar to Veteran’s Day. Although their holidays are known by different names, they pay tribute to the nation’s veterans. Every year on November 11th, both living and non-living American veterans are celebrated and honored for fighting for our country and its citizens.