50+ Lifestyles

Veterans Day The 11th Hour, the 11th Day of the 11th Month…

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is a monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Armistice with Germany went into effect. To celebrate this armistice this date was called Armistice Day. This was the end of the Great War, the war to end all wars. No one could fathom another war of such magnitude. Unfortunately, it did not end all wars and was later renamed to World War I. But Armistice Day was still a day of celebration and remembrance of the soldiers that fought in World War I.

This U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 – a day to honor all veterans from all branches of the service in all of the wars. So now all veterans, living or deceased are now honored on this day. It has also extended to the veteran’s family, as they too made many sacrifices.

Armistice Day, now Veterans Day, has had more than just a name change from its inception in 1918. From 1954 to 1978 the name was changed and the date of observance was changed. For those thirty four years much was said, explained and argued about as to the best way to preserve history and honor the veterans.

Finally, in 1978, the observance went back to the original eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, but would now include ALL veterans that had served in any branch of the military. Many communities have parades and ceremonies commencing at 11:00 AM.

If you have not thanked a vet lately, this is a good time to start.