On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War. Commemorated as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a legal holiday in the United States in 1938.
Though the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, November 11 remained in the public imagination as the date that marked the end of the Great War. In November 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.
In 1926, Congress passed a resolution that the recurring anniversary of November 11, 1918 be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.
In 1954 Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954 and from then on, November 11 is the official day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II. On November 11th Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance the second Sunday of November. In Europe, Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.
Thank you to all of those who served our country, say a special thank you to the veteran’s you know today!
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