On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, “The Great War” was halted as an armistice took effect between the Allied nations and the Central Powers. After more than four years of devastating warfare, the guns fell silent along the Western Front. The armistice did not formally end World War I—that came with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919—but November 11 became forever associated with the hope and relief that accompanied the end of the fighting. Veterans Day was born out of the sacrifice of the World War I veterans.
One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first observance of Armistice Day in the United States. It was intended to commemorate the first anniversary of the armistice and honor the Americans whose service had helped bring the war to an end.
The day gradually became an established American tradition. In 1926, Congress passed a concurrent resolution requesting that the President issue annual proclamations calling for the observance of Armistice Day. Twelve years later, in 1938, Congress made November 11 a federal legal holiday, officially known as Armistice Day. By then, the day was intended primarily to honor the veterans of World War I.
History, however, soon gave Americans another generation of veterans to honor.
World War II and the Korean War dramatically expanded the number of Americans who had served in uniform. In 1954, nearly a decade after the end of World War II, Congress amended the 1938 legislation and replaced the word “Armistice” with “Veterans,” creating Veterans Day as we know it today. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation into law on June 1, 1954.
Eisenhower issued his first Veterans Day Proclamation on October 8, 1954. He called on veterans, veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry to join together in observing the day and directed the federal government to support a coordinated national observance.
The change from Armistice Day to Veterans Day was significant. Rather than focusing exclusively on the veterans of World War I, the holiday became a day to recognize all Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, whether in wartime or peace.
There was one temporary change to the date. In 1971, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was intended to create more three-day weekends for federal employees. The change proved unpopular, however, and Veterans Day was returned to November 11 in 1978. Unlike holidays that move to a Monday, Veterans Day retains its historic date because November 11 carries such important historical meaning.
Veterans Day is sometimes confused with Memorial Day, but the two holidays have distinctly different purposes. Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military, living or deceased. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who died while serving their country. Both are important national observances, but they ask us to remember and honor different groups.
At BevX, we recognize that military service takes many forms. Some veterans served in combat; others served in support roles far from the battlefield. Some spent a few years in uniform, while others devoted entire careers to the military. Some returned home to lives that looked much as they had before their service, while others carried the physical and emotional consequences of their experiences for the rest of their lives.
What they share is a willingness to serve.
Veterans Day provides an opportunity to pause from our everyday routines and recognize the service. A simple “thank you for your service” can be meaningful, but gratitude can go further. Communities, businesses, families, and individuals can make the day more than a ceremonial observance by taking the time to learn about veterans’ experiences and supporting organizations that serve them.
Five Ways of Giving Thanks to a Veteran
1. Show Up
Attend a Veterans Day parade, ceremony, memorial, or other event in your community. These gatherings provide an opportunity to demonstrate that a veteran’s service has not been forgotten.
2. Fly the Flag—Correctly
Display the American flag with respect and according to the U.S. Flag Code. Veterans Day is an especially appropriate occasion to fly the flag, but displaying it properly is a small yet meaningful expression of appreciation.
3. Donate
Many reputable organizations provide housing assistance, employment services, education, health resources, family support, and other services to veterans and their families. Consider making a donation, volunteering your time, or supporting a local veterans organization.
4. Talk to a Veteran
Ask a veteran about their service—and, importantly, listen. Not every veteran will want to discuss combat or difficult experiences, so let them decide what they are comfortable sharing. Sometimes the most meaningful gesture is simply giving someone your attention.
5. Know What Veterans Day Means
Don’t confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. Both are significant days of remembrance and gratitude, but they serve different purposes. Veterans Day is a day to thank and honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving their country.
Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that military service is ultimately about people—the men and women who raised their hands, took an oath, put on a uniform, and accepted the responsibility of serving something larger than themselves.
On November 11, and every day, BevX extends our heartfelt and deepest gratitude to all who wear, and have worn the uniform of our armed services. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and all that you do and have done for our country.
If you would like to raise a drink to honor our veterans, we have a few suggestions:
French 75 — Classic version — The unique name is said to be homage to the French 75mm artillery piece used with great regularity in the First World War. When made properly, this drink cannot be beat… — Get the Recipe
Have an American Whiskey — Bourbon, Rye, American Single Malt, and American Blended Whiskey are all great ways to exercise your patriotism.
Last but not least, read the History of Veterans Day at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.