November 25, 2025
November 11, 1918
By Kari Smith
Editor-in-Chief
On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m., the guns fell silent across the Western Front, marking the end of World War I, one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. The signing of the Armistice in a railway carriage in Compiègne, France, brought an end to four years of brutal warfare, reshaping the world and laying the foundation for a day of remembrance now known as Veterans Day in the United States.
The Armistice: A Moment of Peace
World War I, often called “The Great War,” raged from 1914 to 1918, pitting the Allied Powers, including France, Britain, Russia, and later the United States, against the Central Powers, led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. The war claimed millions of lives—over 16 million military and civilian deaths—and left countless others wounded or displaced. By 1918, both sides were exhausted, and the entry of the United States into the conflict in 1917 tipped the balance in favor of the Allies.
The Armistice agreement, signed at 5:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918, between Allied and German representatives, called for an immediate ceasefire, effectively ending hostilities. The terms required Germany to evacuate occupied territories, surrender significant military resources, and accept Allied occupation of the Rhineland. While the Armistice halted the fighting, the war’s formal conclusion came with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
The choice of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month for the ceasefire was symbolic, and the moment was met with jubilation across the world. Soldiers and civilians alike celebrated the end of a war that had reshaped nations and lives. However, the joy was tempered by the immense loss and the challenges of rebuilding a fractured world.
The Birth of Veterans Day
In the years following the Armistice, November 11 became a day to honor the peace and reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day in the United States, calling for ceremonies to commemorate the bravery of soldiers and the hope for lasting peace. Other Allied nations, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, also adopted similar observances, often called Remembrance Day.
Initially, Armistice Day focused on honoring those who served in World War I. However, after World War II and the Korean War, the scope of the commemoration expanded. In 1954, at the urging of veterans’ organizations, the U.S. Congress amended the holiday’s name to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans, living and deceased, who served in any conflict or peacetime. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially signed the change into law, and Veterans Day became a federal holiday dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of all U.S. military personnel.
Veterans Day Today
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a time to express gratitude to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in military service, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, acknowledging their courage, dedication, and contributions to national security. Across the country, ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence mark the occasion, often at 11:00 a.m., echoing the hour the Armistice took effect.
The holiday also serves as a reminder of the ongoing needs of veterans. Many organizations use Veterans Day to raise awareness about issues such as veterans’ healthcare, mental health support, and employment opportunities. Communities come together to support initiatives that ensure veterans receive the respect and resources they deserve after their service.
