Mr. Heath Blue Creek Elementary School Veterans Day Mr. Heath Blue Creek Elementary School

Veterans Day A veteran is a person who has served in the armed forces.

World War I 1914-1918 Known as “The Great War” at the time.

Costly War Over 20 million wounded Over 17 million killed 117,000 American deaths

Armistice Day An armistice is an agreement to stop fighting. Armistice to end World War I was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month In the year 1918. November 11, 1918

“The War to End All Wars” The War was officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles (France). World War I was so terrible that many people believed that it would be “The War to End All Wars”.

Armistice Day For years, November 11 was commemorated as Armistice Day.

Legal Holiday In 1938, Congress passed a law making Armistice Day a legal holiday.

World War II (1939-1945) The so-called “War to End All Wars” (World War I) did not end all wars.

Legal Holiday Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all those who have served in the armed forces. President Eisenhower signs the law that changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Number of Veterans by War World War I………….4.7 million (0 Living) World War II……….16.1 million (l.7 Living) Korean War………....5.7 million (2.2 Living) Vietnam War………...8.7 million (7.3 Living) Gulf War……………..2.3 million (2.2 Living) 40 million people have served in the United States Armed Forces since 1776.

United States Armed Forces 1.3 Million Active Duty Military 850,000 Reserves

U. S. Army 541,000 Soldiers

U. S. Air Force 334,000 Airmen

U. S. Navy 317,000 Sailors

U. S. Marine Corps 195,000 Marines

U. S. Coast Guard 42,000 Coast Guardsmen

Veterans Day People celebrate Veterans day by holding special ceremonies and parades in honor of all of our veterans. Veterans Day is a legal Federal holiday set aside to honor all those who have served in the United States military.