The History of Veterans Day
Every year I talk about what Veterans Day means to me. I was talking to Bobby earlier today and realized that he didn't really understand why Veterans Day was on November 11. So this year, I thought I would provide a little history lesson, especially since this is a milestone year.
Ninety years ago today, at 11 am, World War I ended. It was called The Great War. The Great War started in 1914 with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne by a Bosnian Serb citizen of Austria-Hungary and member of the Young Bosnia. The retaliation by Austria-Hungary against the Kingdom of Serbia activated a series of alliances that set off a chain reaction of war declarations. Within a month, much of Europe was in a state of open warfare.
At the time, the United States was an isolationist country. The Great War was being fought in Europe and most Americans didn't think we needed to be involved. The USA became involved in 1917 as a member of the Entente Powers, which consisted of England, France, and Russia.
By the end of The Great War, there were 10 million dead, over 20 million wounded, and 10 million missing on both sides.
So why is Veterans Day November 11? The ceasefire, or armistice, was on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. The Treaty of Versailles was signed several months later on June 28, 1919, which officially ended the war.
Countries all over the world celebrate Armistice Day on November 11. President Wilson declared November 12 as the official holiday commemorating the end of the war. Congress declared November 11 as Armistice Day in 1938. In 1953, a small business owner thought that the day should honor all veterans. With the help of his congressman, President Eisenhower signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954. Congress renamed Armistice Day as Veterans Day on November 8, 1954.
Veterans Day started because of The Great War. While it was widely considered to be the War to End All Wars, we know that did not happen. Today we celebrate our veterans. Those who served during wartime and those who served during peace.
During the Great War, a Canadian surgeon was treating the wounded after a particular brutal battle. He wrote his thoughts down in a poem.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Ninety years ago today, at 11 am, World War I ended. It was called The Great War. The Great War started in 1914 with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne by a Bosnian Serb citizen of Austria-Hungary and member of the Young Bosnia. The retaliation by Austria-Hungary against the Kingdom of Serbia activated a series of alliances that set off a chain reaction of war declarations. Within a month, much of Europe was in a state of open warfare.
At the time, the United States was an isolationist country. The Great War was being fought in Europe and most Americans didn't think we needed to be involved. The USA became involved in 1917 as a member of the Entente Powers, which consisted of England, France, and Russia.
By the end of The Great War, there were 10 million dead, over 20 million wounded, and 10 million missing on both sides.
So why is Veterans Day November 11? The ceasefire, or armistice, was on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. The Treaty of Versailles was signed several months later on June 28, 1919, which officially ended the war.
Countries all over the world celebrate Armistice Day on November 11. President Wilson declared November 12 as the official holiday commemorating the end of the war. Congress declared November 11 as Armistice Day in 1938. In 1953, a small business owner thought that the day should honor all veterans. With the help of his congressman, President Eisenhower signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954. Congress renamed Armistice Day as Veterans Day on November 8, 1954.
Veterans Day started because of The Great War. While it was widely considered to be the War to End All Wars, we know that did not happen. Today we celebrate our veterans. Those who served during wartime and those who served during peace.
During the Great War, a Canadian surgeon was treating the wounded after a particular brutal battle. He wrote his thoughts down in a poem.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.