How and Why We Celebrate This Holiday Veterans Day How and Why We Celebrate This Holiday ©2015GregorySmith

Origins of Veterans Day Armistice Day was originally observed every November 11 celebrating the end of WWI, commemorating the day the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany at eleven a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. The date was declared a national holiday by many allied nations to honor members of the armed forces who were killed during the war. ©2015GregorySmith

Origins of Veterans Day The First Official Armistice Day was held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace on the morning of November 11th, 1919. Most allied nations changed the name of the holiday after World War II, to honor all veterans of foreign wars. Most members of the British Commonwealth adopted the name Remembrance Day, while the United States chose All Veterans Day , which was later shortened to Veterans Day. (Official spelling has no apostrophe) ©2015GregorySmith

Origins of Veterans Day In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs, to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. ©2015GregorySmith

Veterans Day observance The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. At 11 a.m., a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, renders honors to America's war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown.   ©2015GregorySmith

The Five Branches of Service We honor all Veterans from the five branches of service: Army Navy Air Force Marines Coast Guard ©2015GregorySmith

Veterans Day observance   The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds “Taps.” The balance of the ceremony, including a "Parade of Flags" by numerous Veterans service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. ©2015GregorySmith

The difference between Veterans Day and memorial Day   Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Both holidays were founded to recognize and honor the men and women who have ever been a member of the United States Armed Forces. However, Memorial Day which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, mainly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. ©2015GregorySmith

The difference between Veterans Day and memorial Day  While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who serve or have served honorably in the military, either in war or peace.  In fact, Veterans Day is chiefly intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to recognize that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to emphasize the fact that all those who served (not only those who died) should be honored for their service. ©2015GregorySmith

The Tomb of the unknown   In 1921, an American soldier—his name “known but to God”—was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, DC. The burial site of this unknown World War I soldier in Arlington National Cemetery signifies dignity and reverence for America’s veterans. A guard is on duty around the clock to symbolize respect and honor to all who were lost. ©2015GregorySmith

The Tomb of the unknown  Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an “unknown soldier” of the Great War was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). Armistice Day. England France Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Westminster Abbey ©2015GregorySmith

How To Honor Veterans Many cities honor veterans with parades and ceremonies. Memorials are built in city parks. Businesses and restaurants may offer members of the military special discounts or free meals on Veterans Day. When you see a person in uniform, you can thank them for their service personally. Display the flag. On Memorial Day, it should be at half staff until noon. On Veterans Day, it flies at full staff all day long. Always follow flag etiquette and show respect to the flag. The flag is an important symbol of our country, and many have died defending it. Never let the flag drag on the ground. ©2015GregorySmith

Veterans Day – Honoring all who served Thank you! ©2015GregorySmith