Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11. Veterans Day recognizes all individuals who have served the nation in times of war or peace, whether they are still alive or not. Its primary goal is to show gratitude to living veterans for their services.

Background of Veterans Day

On November 11, 1919, American President Woodrow Wilson declared Armistice Day for the first time. He declared at the time that “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 its gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” Congress passed a resolution demanding that President Calvin Coolidge issue yearly proclamations in November designating Armistice Day as a legal holiday seven years later in 1926.

Raymond Weeks, a veteran of World War II, came up with the idea in 1945 to make Armistice Day a day to honor all soldiers rather than simply those who lost their lives in World War I. General Dwight Eisenhower, who was in favor of the plan, was visited by a delegation Weeks had led. The following year, in 1945, and every year after that up until his passing in 1985 Weeks hosted the first Veterans Day event in Alabama. He received the Presidential Citizenship medal from President Reagan in 1982. Weeks was also referred to be Elizabeth Dole as the “Father of Veterans Day.”

The Act of 1938 was amended by the 83^rd U.S. Congress by replacing the word “Armistice” with the word “Veterans” after the country had experienced both World War II and the Korean War. This was done at the urging of veteran’s service organizations. After this legislation was approved on June 1, 1954, November 11 was designated as a day to honor all American veterans.

Why Veterans Day Matters

• Whether or not we understand it or appreciate it, veterans risked their lives and fought for our freedoms.
• Once they return from service, many veterans struggle to adapt into everyday life and become lost in the process pr end up becoming homeless.
• It’s a given opportunity to look back on the importance of peace.

Veterans Day is one of several occasions to honor veterans who gave their lives while serving their country in a war. Therefore, take advantage of this day to express your respect and appreciation to American veterans for their sacrifice and love of their country.

GC is hosting a Veterans Day lunch for all Veteran family members of staff and students.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Veterans-Day

https://nationaltoday.com/veterans-day/