A Day for Veterans

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent on the Western Front. The year was 1918 and the deadliest war the world had ever seen was over. The official end of World War I wouldn’t come until June of 1919 with the Treaty of Versailles, but it was November 11th the world would remember as the end of the “war to end all wars.”

On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, the first commemoration of Armistice Day in honor of all who served in World War I. Congress followed by making Armistice Day a national holiday in 1938, but just a few short years later, the world changed.

World War II required the greatest mobilization of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines in our nation’s history. More than 16 million Americans—roughly 11 percent of the population at the time—served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. 407,316 were killed and another 671,278 were wounded.

Upon returning home, many saw Armistice Day not only as a chance to celebrate the end of World War I, the beginning of peace, and the veterans of the first World War, but an opportunity to honor all veterans. In 1954, Congress agreed, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation transforming Armistice Day into Veterans Day.

Over 100 years have passed since the guns fell silent on the Western Front. Nearly 80 have passed since the surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri ended World War II. But the meaning of this day hasn’t changed a bit. It’s still more important than ever that we take the time to remember, honor, and thank all who have served our country and sacrificed for our freedom.

We owe them an incredible debt that can never truly be repaid. We’d do well to remember that, today and every day.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves