Veterans Day was initially known as “Armistice Day,” which began after the end of ‘The Great War’ or World War 1 on the 11th of November, 1919, as President Wilson announced the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Initially, the concept for this celebration was to observe a day with parades and meetings, along with a brief suspension of businesses at 11 AM.
Veterans Day became a National Holiday in 1938 and is the day paying tributes to the Veteran Soldiers, either dead or alive, and to thank them for serving the nation during war and peace. It is a nice time to visit the states and honor the soldiers. If you are looking for some great deals, book a flight using the benefits of the American Airlines Reservations for best experience and pay tribute to these soldiers with their country.
Facts on Veterans Day
- Veterans Day is observed on the 11th of November every year in the USA to honor the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 months of 1918 when the Treaty of Versailles was signed to commemorate the end of war.
- The name of the Veterans Day was in the first instance, Armistice Day, but in 1954, President Dwight D Eisenhower changed the name officially to Veterans Day.
- When the congress introduced the Uniform Holidays Bill in 1968, they moved the celebration to the 4th Monday of every October. The law went into effect in1971, but in 1975, President Gerald Ford changed it back to the 11th of November since it has an essential historical significance.
- This day keeps alive the memory of veterans of every war.
- Countries like The Great Britain, Canada, and Australia also pay tribute to the veterans on or near the 11th of November. Canada celebrates it as Remembrance Day, and Britain has its Remembrance Sunday that comes on the second Sunday in November every year.
- In the Commonwealth countries, Europe and Great Britain, it is quite common to witness 2 minutes of silence precisely at 11 AM on the 11th of November every year.
- Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day; it is observed that many Americans get confused with both days. Memorial Day is the day when you pay tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives for the country, particularly during the war or for those soldiers who have suffered from traumatic wounds during the battle. Veterans Day is celebrated to honor every veteran who has served for the nation during war or peacetime who are either dead or alive and to thank them for their sacrifices.
How is Veterans Day observed in the USA?
People celebrate this day to honor all their veterans with an annual parade on 5th Avenue, which holds more than 500,000 attendees every year. There are many tourists and travelers who visit the country during this time of the year to show their respect to the soldiers. If you wish to fly to the USA, try booking your tickets by using the smooth user-friendly options and reach the states to celebrate amongst their country people.
There are many fast-food chains and massive restaurants also offer free meals to all the veterans visiting them. Since Veterans Day is officially celebrated on the 11th of November, many people hold their celebration until the weekend to gather more people to attend and participate in the celebration.
Federal Government offices are also closed on this day. If Veteran Day comes on a Saturday, they are closed on the previous day, Friday. However, if it falls on a Sunday, then the Federal Government offices are closed on Monday. The public transit systems can follow a regular day or can also take a holiday. The same goes for schools, and non-government, local, or state governments are not required to be closed on this day.
