The Meaning of Veterans Day
By Ken Schultz
Nov 05, 2024
World War I was then considered the “war to end all wars.” According to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the armistice date was used for an annual “celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Veterans Day is intended to celebrate all of those who have served in the military, whether in wartime or peacetime. More than 42 million people have served since the nation was formed, over 16 million of them during World War II. In 2023 there were 1.3 million active-duty military members, and 738,000 reserve and National Guard members.
Though often confused with Memorial Day, when we honor those who died in the service of their country, Veterans Day is especially meant to acknowledge and thank living veterans for their service and sacrifice. By common practice that acknowledgement is also extended to current service members.
THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY
Initially called Armistice Day and first celebrated in 1919, Veterans Day was initially conceptualized as a day for parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business at 11:00 A.M. It became a legal holiday by an act of Congress on May 13, 1938, to honor World War I veterans.
In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, Congress replaced the word “armistice” with “veterans,” and the act was amended to honor all American veterans. For a few years starting in 1971 Veterans Day was federally celebrated on a Monday to assure three-day weekends, but many states continued to celebrate on the original date. In 1978, a federal proclamation changed the date back to November 11, regardless of which day of the week that fell on.
WHEN IS VETERANS DAY 2024?
Monday, November 11.
CELEBRATIONS AND MORE ON VETERANS DAY
There are hundreds of ceremonies, parades, concerts, and other events held across the country on Veterans Day or during the first part of November, which is also National Veteran and Military Families Month. Veterans service organizations are involved in many, if not most, veterans events. Veterans and active-duty military members can also take advantage at this time of discounts, free meals, and other offers (with proof of service) that many restaurants and other businesses provide.
NATIONAL CEREMONY
Each year on November 11 there is a National Veterans Day Ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery. It begins at 11:00 A.M. when a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by either the President or Vice President, and continues in the Memorial Amphitheater.
WHAT ABOUT VETERANS DAY AND FISHING AND BOATING?
Because Veterans Day is in November, when it is cool or cold in many parts of the country, ramps and public waters are not likely to be as crowded on this day as on warmer-weather weekends or holidays. As with other holidays, it can be a good time to take an extended fishing, camping, or boating trip, most of which are planned well in advance. Veterans fishing on this day is no different than at any other time, although they and active-duty service members may get free or reduced passes/fees at some venues.
