Why Do We Celebrate Veteran’s Day? By Ms. Heschke

What IS Veteran’s Day? WWI started in 1914 with the Allied Powers (Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan and eventually the US in 1917) fighting the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungry and the Ottoman Empire). On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Allied Powers and the Central Powers agreed to an armistice.

What is an ARMISTACE? Armistice is a temporary cessation of hostilities In other words, an armistice is an agreement to stop fighting. This armistice was supposed to be the end of the “war to end all wars” or “The Great War”. President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day to commemorate the end of “The Great War”.

How was Armistice Day celebrated? Parades Public gatherings Brief pause in business activities at 11:00am On November 11, 1921 an unidentified American soldier was buried in Arlington Cemetery. On June 4, 1926 Congress passed a resolution that the "recurring anniversary of [November 11, 1918] should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations" and that the president should issue an annual proclamation calling for the observance of Armistice Day May 13, 1938 Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday.

When did Armistice Day become Veteran’s Day? The “War to End All Wars” was not so. More than 16 million American forces fought in WWII from 1941-1945. Some 5.7 millions Americans fought in the Korean War 1950-1953. In 1957, after veteran’s lobbied Congress to amend the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, Congress agreed to changing the word Armistice to Veteran’s President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law changing the holiday to Veteran’s Day honoring all American veterans involved in wars.

So… What IS Veteran’s Day?

How is Veteran’s Day Celebrated? An official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery Parades, ceremonies, lunches, community events, school programs, etc… Veteran’s Day is a day to thank all Veteran’s but especially those still living who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

All Gave Some, Some Gave All… Click on the picture for a tribute to veterans.

What Are Some Examples of Freedom? Declaration of Independence Constitution Star Spangled Banner Pledge of Allegiance

The Declaration of Independence Written by the founding fathers but ultimately Thomas Jefferson A “letter” to King George declaring all of the colonies’ grievances, why the colonies deserve liberty and finally a statement of independence, basically breaking up with Great Britain. Celebrated every 4th of July to commemorate the signing of the document on July 4th, 1776

The United States Constitution Signed on September 17, 1787. Replaced the Articles of Confederation that had governed the new country but were too weak for continued use. Continues to serve as the oldest “living document” that governs a country to this date.

Star Spangled Banner Click on the picture to hear the story of our national anthem.

The Pledge of Allegiance Written by Francis Bellamy in August of 1892. In its original form it read: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.“ In 1923, the words, "the Flag of the United States of America" were added. At this time it read: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The Pledge of Allegiance In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy's daughter objected to this alteration. Today it reads: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The Pledge of Allegiance The pledge was begun with the right hand over the heart, and after reciting "to the Flag," the arm was extended toward the Flag, palm-down. In World War II, the salute too much resembled the Nazi salute, so it was changed to keep the right hand over the heart throughout.

The Pledge of Allegiance Click on the picture to find out what the Pledge of Allegiance man.

So… why DO we celebrate Veteran’s Day? To honor and remember those who fought for our independence. To honor and remember those who fought for and created our Constitution. To honor and remember those who have fought in every war and during peacetime to keep our freedom secure for over 200 years. To honor and remember those who have allowed us to go to school, games, church, malls, concerts, parks, etc…

How Can We THANK our Veteran’s? Learn about United States history. Remember that freedom is NOT free. Send cards throughout the year to active military service men and women as well as veterans. Thank men and women you see in uniform. Take off your hat and STOP EVERYTHING during the national anthem and look at the flag. Sing the national anthem WITH MEANING. Remember what the words mean and why it was written. Say the Pledge WITH MEANING. Remember what the words mean. Teach others about the freedom of our country.