November 11 is Veterans Day in the United States, a federal holiday when we honor all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, both living and deceased, during war or peacetime. There can sometimes be confusion over the origin and meaning of the day, which is not difficult to understand given its complicated history:
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day… The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution in 1926:
"Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples."
An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor Veterans of World War I.
In 1954, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation.
The Uniform Holiday Bill was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97, which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.
This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day is not the only military commemoration Americans can become confused about. On Memorial Day, we remember those who lost their lives in service to our great country. Armed Forces Day, which is the third Saturday in May, is when we honor those currently serving in the military. And the entire month of May is Military Appreciation Month. Then, in November, we recognize all who have served in the armed forces, living and deceased, on Veterans Day. To learn more about the history of this cherished federal holiday, its meaning, and how it is celebrated, visit VA.gov.
What matters most is that we take the time to appreciate and recognize the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve their country. At First Federal Bank, we pause to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the veterans on our team and in our communities. Thank you for the example you set for all of us!