What is Veterans Day
11th Hour, 11th Day, 11th Month
Signed in a railway carriage in France’s Compiègne Forest, the armistice marked complete defeat for Germany. It was signed at 5 a.m., however only came into effect at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.
Final Deaths of WWI
Traditionally, Canadian Private George Lawrence Price is regarded as the last Commonwealth soldier killed in World War I. Shot by a German sniper, Price died at 10:58. American Henry Gunther was killed 60 seconds before the ceasefire went into effect, allegedly charging German troops who were aware armistice was upon them.
A State of War Remained
Despite being regarded as the end of the First World War, the armistice, in fact, only ended fighting. A state of war remained between the Allied Powers and Germany until the Treaty of Versailles was signed on the 28th of June, 1919.
Armistice Day
Proclaimed Armistice Day in the United States by President Woodrow Wilson on November 11th, 1919, this holiday was meant to reflect with solemn pride the heroism of those who died in the country’s service.
Veterans Day
In the United States, an act approved in 1938 officially made the 11th of November of each year a legal holiday, and that day was to be dedicated to the cause of world peace. However, in 1953, a Kansas shoe-store owner began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into All Veterans Day. Quickly, the idea built steam and was eventually signed into law in 1954.
The word Armistice was replaced with Veterans, and from then on the day was intended to celebrate all military veterans of the United States.
Celebrations Around the World
Other Allied countries celebrate November 11th in different ways. Many Commonwealth countries celebrate Remembrance Day on the specific day or Remembrance Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday of November. France, Belgium, and Poland all celebrate the signing of the armistice on the 11th.
A Moment of Silence
A moment of silence is traditionally held at 11 a.m. on the 11th of November to remember sacrifices of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war.
