What is Armistice Day?

Armistice: a pause in fighting brought about by agreement between the two sides.

Veteran’s Day November 11

November 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in France by the Allies and the Germans in 1918 ending World War I.

World War I was a world conflict lasting from 1914 to 1919 World War I was a world conflict lasting from 1914 to 1919. Fighting ceased in 1918.

By its end, the war had become the second bloodiest conflict in recorded history, with over 15 million deaths.

During World War I, trench warfare, in which opposing armies dig fortifications into the ground facing one another, reached its peak.

Many more countries on each side were involved. The Central Powers of Germany, the Austria-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire fought against the Allied Forces of Great Britain, France, Italy, Russia, and the United States. Many more countries on each side were involved.

On November 11, 1919, one year after the end of the war, President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day.

In 1921 Congress passed legislation approving The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war.

The title Armistice Day has been changed to Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day honors all people who have served or are serving in the military.