Armistice Day is the predecessor of Veteran’s Day and it was created in 1918, to commemorate the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, effectively ending the war on the Western Front. Originally this holiday was not observed in the United States, but in 1919 President Wilson began the process to bring the holiday to the US. It was not until 1938 that Congress approved the 11th of November each year a legal holiday “dedicated to the cause of world peace,” keeping the name of Armistice Day. In May 1954 Congress and President Eisenhower approved the expansion of Armistice Day to encompass the remembrance of all veterans, not just those of WW1, but still keeping the name Armistice Day. In November of 1954, Congress amended this holiday, changing the name to Veteran’s Day.

Today the holiday is still celebrated on the 11th of November (the day after the Marine Corps Birthday) however in the late 1970’s it was briefly moved to October but was quickly returned to November.

Even 90 years after the day was originally celebrated in the US, the day is still as significant and important now as it was then. This is a day when we all should take some time and reflect on the sacrifices that were made by those that came before us and those that will come after us. Through the sacrifices of those military personnel and their families we are able to enjoy the way of life that we have today and the freedoms that we all enjoy.