In the USA, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on this Day.

Formerly called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is celebrated on 11th November every year. Initially, the day was a holiday to honor the anniversary of World War I. The day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day celebrated in other countries to honor the same war. Veterans Day commemorates both the living and dead persons who served in the US military service. Veterans vs. Memorial Day should however not be confused. While Memorial Day celebrates persons who died in the military service, Veterans Day celebrates all those who served in the US military, whether dead or alive. Although the day is celebrated on 11th November, it is observed on the nearest weekday to 11th. For instance, if the day falls on a Sunday, then people observe it on Monday, whereas if it falls on Saturday, then the preceding Friday is often designated as the observance day.

Veterans Day History

The first Veterans Day was observed in 1019 after Germany and Allies put to end World War 1. On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day as one filled with solemn pride because of the heroism of the persons who died while serving the country. In May 1938, the Congress declared 11th November as a legal holiday and a day dedicated to the cause of world peace. In 1945, Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, suggested that the holiday should recognize all veterans from all the US wars. Following this, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day after Congress amended the act in June 1954.

In 1968, the new legislation changed the Veterans Day celebration to the fourth Monday in October. However, given that November 11th held a historical significance for many Americans, Congress shifted the day’s observance from October to the traditional date.

Although Veterans Day is a federal holiday in most of the states in the US, Wisconsin remains the only state that does not celebrate the holiday.

The Significance of Red

Poppy to Veterans Day

Red poppies are a symbol of Veterans Day. The association of red poppies to this great day dates back in 1915. This was after Colonel John McCrae wrote a poem popularly known as ‘In Flanders Fields’ where he immortalized the poppy and its ability to sprout in large numbers after laying dormant in the soil for a long time. The red poppy is therefore, a symbol of sacrifice and the many needs of our veterans. Today, the flower is used to raise funds and donations for veterans as a sign that despite the destruction of war, they have survived, and life has given them a second chance.