11.11.11

Why do we observe Veteran's Day? If you asked this question of the average person on the street, I think most of them would say it's to recognize the military personnel who have served to maintain the freedom of our country. But the reason we observe Veteran's Day runs a little deeper than that.

World War I involved 35 countries. It lasted five years, 1914-1918. The US fought from 1917-1918. The Armistice to end the "war to end all wars" was signed on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. The Veteran's Day that we celebrate today was originally called "Armistice Day". This day was set aside to reflect and remember the sacrifices men and women made during WWI in order to ensure peace.

Almost 20 years later in 1938, Congress voted Armistice Day a federal holiday. World War II began the next year in 1939. So much for the "war to end all wars" theory.

As time went on, Armistice Day evolved into Veteran's Day so that all veterans would be honored. Congress decided to change the day to an occasion to honor those who'd served America in all wars. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veteran's Day.

In 1968, a law changed the national observance of Veteran's Day to the 4th Monday in October. The people protested. In 1978, Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

Today, take a moment to give thanks for the veterans who have served and fought through the years for our freedom. It's because of them that we have the rights we have today. Also give thanks for those who continue to serve. We owe them respect and a debt of gratitude.