The History of Veterans Day, From the ‘11th Day’ to the Present

 

Veterans Day honors all those who served in the United States Armed Forces, both in peace time and in war. Trace the holiday’s evolution from its post–World War I origins to the present — the first entry in our reimagined Veterans Holidays and Important Events hub.

1918–1920 — “The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month”

On “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” of 1918, World War I—an unprecedented blight of destruction and suffering—ended with a quiet, uneasy ceasefire. A little over four years and as many as 40 million casualties across Europe, Africa, and Asia abruptly ended, bringing relief and joy—and solemnity. 

Most of the architects of the war’s end wanted to preserve an indefinite peace. The first anniversary of the war’s end became Armistice Day, serving as a somber reminder. It was individually recognized by most of the Allied Powers, and honored both those lost and the survivors that served. 

Armistice Day in the United States

The American Legion was formed the same year, playing a critical role in honoring Armistice Day in the United States from the beginning. Legion Posts ran grassroots campaigns and promoted civil observances. Local events became state events, and at the direction of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first Armistice Day.

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory” – President Woodrow Wilson

Communities were encouraged to pause activities at 11:00 a.m. for a moment of silence, reflecting the armistice’s timing. Parades and public gatherings became common commemorative events in towns and cities. 

Here in California, cities like Los Angeles organized Armistice Day parades that first year and on, with Veterans, military bands, and civic leaders marching to honor those who served. The following year, California formally declared Armistice Day as a state holiday.

1926 and 1938 — Official Federal Recognition Before World War II and the Korean War

The early observances of Armistice Day set a pattern of patriotic commemoration that would continue each year. However, there was no formal federal recognition for events. In 1926, Congress rectified this, passing a concurrent resolution urging the sitting president to issue annual proclamations for November 11. 

It would be another 12 years before Armistice Day was recognized as an official federal holiday. Veterans’ groups like The American Legion and civic organizations lobbied Congress throughout the Interwar Period, and on May 13, 1938, they succeeded. The law declared Armistice Day “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace” and set it apart to honor the Veterans of World War I. 

Armistice Day became an annual nationwide day of remembrance. Banks and federal offices closed, and the whole country paused to honor Veterans—and what would shortly become ill-fated peace. The promise to “end all wars” didn’t survive the rise of fascism in Europe and Asia.

1945–1954 — Veterans of New Wars and the Push for a Broader Holiday

The Second World War eclipsed the atrocity of the first in every way measurable, but did little to dissuade further conflict. Less than five years after the end of World War II, the Korean War threatened to ignite a third global war. Within a short period, tens of millions of Americans representing multiple conflicts had served in uniform. 

Yet Armistice Day still largely focused on World War I. Those who served in World War II and Korea also deserved national recognition. 

Surviving Veterans from both wars, along with Veterans’ organizations, launched efforts to broaden Armistice Day’s scope. In 1947, World War II Veteran Raymond Weeks organized the first “National Veterans Day” celebration in Alabama, treating Armistice Day as a day to honor veterans of all wars. He later advocated for making this change nationwide. Meanwhile, The American Legion and other groups passed resolutions urging Congress to change the holiday’s name and purpose. Public sentiment changed first, and towns and cities across the United States held the first inclusive Veterans Day ceremonies.

Eisenhower Signs Veterans Day Bill

In 1954, Congress acted to officially change the holiday. Rep. Ed Rees of Kansas introduced a bill to rename Armistice Day; it swiftly passed. President and Veteran Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation shortly after, and November 11 became Veterans Day. 

Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day proclamation later that year, calling on citizens and Veteran organizations to join in a nationwide observance that acknowledged and honored all who answered a call to serve during peace and war. 

1968–1978 and Now — The Veterans Day Date Change…and Return

Veterans Day’s somber origins took an unusual turn in 1968. As part of an effort to create more three-day weekends for federal workers, several federal holidays were moved from fixed dates to designated Mondays throughout the year. Veterans Day was slated to be observed on the fourth Monday in October instead of November 11, disconnecting the holiday from Armistice Day.

Public support was weak at best. 

While the change did not officially take effect until 1971, many cities and states throughout the United States ignored the new federal policy out of tradition. By 1975, opposition had grown strong enough that Congress passed a new law returning Veterans Day to its original date beginning in 1978. When signing the bill, President Gerald Ford remarked that the return respected the “desires of the overwhelming majority.”

Present-Day Meaning and Observance

The 1968–1978 episode showed how strongly Americans felt about the symbolism of November 11 without losing the acknowledgement of Veterans who served after World War I. What began as Armistice Day—a grave anniversary of the end of World War I—has transformed into a heartfelt tribute to all Veterans and their role in defending the United States.

“Let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” -President Dwight D. Eisenhower