For many people, Veterans Day means a day to relax without mail and work. However, it is important to know why we celebrate Veterans Day- and what it really means.

The Origin Of Veterans Day

World War 1 ended on November 11, 1918. While President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 to be Armistice Day in 1919, it did not become a legal holiday until 1938.

Initially, Armistice Day only honored veterans of World War 1. A World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks believed it should extend to all veterans. He took this idea to Dwight Eisenhower, and Eisenhower agreed. The name of this holiday was changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day In Our Era

Veterans Day is a Federal holiday. Although World War 1 ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year, Veterans Day celebrations vary from place to place. In many communities there are parades, and many businesses offer free specials to veterans.

Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the history of victory, but to also honor all of our veterans. We should all do our part to thank and honor our veterans.