Honoring Service: The History and Legacy of Veterans Day
Each year on November 11, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day stands as a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have defended the nation in times of war and peace.
New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Jack James, deputy commander of the 42nd Infantry Division, and Col. Patrick Clare, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, lead the formation during the Veterans Day Parade in New York, N.Y., November 11, 2023. Photo credit Staff Sgt. Sebastian Rothwyn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
The origins of Veterans Day date back to the end of World War I, a conflict once described as “the war to end all wars.” Fighting ceased when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. One year later, in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, a time to reflect upon the heroism of those who had fought and to express gratitude for peace restored.
The cartoon shows Uncle Sam standing respectfully before a tomb bearing a bouquet labeled “U.S.” The cartoon was drawn on Armistice Day, commemorating the November 11, 1918, armistice that ended World War I. Credits Berryman, Clifford Kennedy, Artist. United States, 1928. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2016678674/.
In 1938, Armistice Day became a national holiday. But following World War II and the Korean War, Americans recognized the need to honor not just those who served in the First World War, but all veterans who had served in defense of the country. In 1954, under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Congress officially changed the holiday’s name to Veterans Day—a tribute to all U.S. veterans, past and present, regardless of when or where they served.
President Eisenhower’s signing of HR7786, June 1, 1954, changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Photo credits U.S. Government, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
A Day of Honor, Not Mourning
It is important to note that Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, which honors those who gave their lives in military service. Veterans Day celebrates all who have served—living or deceased—acknowledging their contributions to the freedoms Americans enjoy today. Across the nation, parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence bring communities together to recognize this shared gratitude.
Reflecting on Service and Sacrifice
Veterans Day offers an opportunity for reflection across generations. For older Americans, it may bring back memories of service or of loved ones who served. For younger generations, it is a chance to learn from history and understand the responsibilities of citizenship.
Through schools, civic organizations, and community programs, many Americans engage in discussions about what it means to serve—not only in uniform but also as active, informed citizens. Veterans exemplify the values of duty, courage, and commitment that strengthen the nation’s civic fabric.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, more than 16 million living veterans represent every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. They are neighbors, colleagues, mentors, and family members whose experiences enrich the communities they call home. Their stories connect the past to the present, reminding us that the rights and opportunities we enjoy are sustained through service and sacrifice.
World War II veterans stand to honor the national anthem during a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Madingley, England, November 11, 2019. The ceremony marked the 101st Anniversary of Armistice Day, ending World War I. Photo credits: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jennifer Zima, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
As Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once observed, “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone.” Veterans Day affirms that sentiment—celebrating the collective effort and enduring spirit of those who have stood in defense of the nation.
Learning and Remembering
Observing Veterans Day is more than an act of remembrance; it is an invitation to learn, listen, and engage. Whether by attending a local ceremony, recording a veteran’s story, or simply pausing in gratitude, every American can take part in honoring the legacy of service that has shaped the country’s history and continues to guide its future.