Veteran’s Day http://www. history

“We often take for granted the very things that deserve our gratitude” Honoring Our Veterans “We often take for granted the very things that deserve our gratitude” -Cynthia Ozick

World War I (1914-1918)

World War I (1914-1918) From 1914 to 1918, the nations of Europe pounded each other into near annihilation in the “War to End All Wars” An estimated 40 million people (20 million civilians) died in this war.

U.S. Joins the War (1917-1918)

“The Great War” Ends World War I came to an end officially on June 28, 1919 with the signing of the “Treaty of Versailles” A cease fire, however, had actually begun on November 11, 1918

November 11, 1918 The “Great War” had actually ended on “the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month…” ( this is when we celebrate Veterans’ Day now) This date, regardless of the signing of the treaty, is often considered the end of the war.

Remembering the Sacrifice

President Woodrow Wilson

President Woodrow Wilson “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” President Wilson first made this a national holiday!

“Armistice Day” (Nov. 11) “Armistice Day” was the name of our first holiday to recognize Veterans!!! originally called for parades and public meetings on this day, with businesses closing at briefly at 11 a.m. to join in the celebrations.

June 4, 1926 On this date, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution requesting November 11 be recognized by the President as a day of remembrance and celebration in the United States:

May 13, 1938 On this date, the U.S. Congress declared “Armistice Day” a legal holiday. Though originally to honor World War I veterans, it will again go through another change. What would make us make a change????

June 1, 1954 On this date, the U.S. Congress amended the 1938 law to include ALL veterans of war. Why??? World War II, the largest war fought by the United States, had ended 9 years earlier.

October 8, 1954 On this date, President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the “Veteran’s Day National Committee” to help unite civic and governmental agencies in celebrating this holiday.

October 8, 1954 From this date on, “Armistice Day” would be known as “Veteran’s Day” and would forever include ALL veterans of ALL U.S. wars.

June 28, 1968 On this date, the U.S. Congress passed the “Uniform Holiday Bill”. It’s purpose was to create 4 national holidays on Mondays to give Federal employees long weekends.

October 25, 1971 On this date, the new day for “Veteran’s Day” was observed with much confusion. Throughout the nation, it was an overwhelming failure as most wanted it returned to it’s original date.

September 20, 1975 On this date, President Gerald Ford signed a bill returning “Veteran’s Day” to November 11. This officially began on November 11, 1978.

Our Fighting Veterans

American Revolution (217,000 Served from 1775-1783)

War of 1812 (290,000 Served from 1812 to 1814)

Mexican-American War (78,000 Served from 1845 to 1848)

Civil War (2.2 Million Served from 1861 to 1865)

Spanish-American War (306,000 Served in 1898)

World War I (4.7 Million Served from 1917 to 1918)

World War II (16 Million Served from 1941 to 1945)

Korean War (actually a conflict) (5 Korean War (actually a conflict) (5.7 Million Served from 1950 to 1953)

Vietnam War (actually a Conflict) (8 Vietnam War (actually a Conflict) (8.7 Million Served from 1965 to 1975)

Gulf War (conflict) (2.2 Million Served from 1990 to 1991)

Current Conflicts (Over 1.3 Million Are Serving in Today)

Our Veterans Over 43 million Americans have served this country since it’s birth. Currently, there are 24 million veterans living in the United States (over 18 million combat veterans).

Our Veterans There is a national Military Cemetery where Veterans’ can be buried – it is called Arlington National Cemetery.

Our Veterans The final resting place for unidentified military personnel is called “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” and there are currently 3 “unknown soldiers resting there.

Our Veterans The highest salute you can receive in the military is the 21 Gun Salute

Our Veterans                                                                              

Our Veterans

Our Veterans “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” -Elmer Davis