On May 13, 1938 an act made Armistice Day a legal holiday. It was called Armistice Day because the Armistice was signed to end WWI on November 11. It was to be celebrated on November 11 each year in honor of the veterans of World War I. But in 1954, after World War II, they changed the word "armistice" to the word "veterans." After it was approved by legislation, the holiday on November 11 of each year became known as Veterans Day and it honored all veterans of all wars. This was much more sensible in my opinion. The WWI veterans aren't the only ones that should be honored. All the other veterans fought for their country in a time of need as well, so they deserve a holiday too. : ) Eisenhower gave the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" and later that day named Harvey V. Higley as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.
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The first Veterans Day was on October 25,1971. This caused some confusion. On September 20, 1975 President Ford signed Public Law 94-97 and made Veterans Day go back to its original date of November 11. Since then, it has been celebrated each year on November 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on. I am really glad that we have a day set aside for our veterans. But, i do not think they get as much recognition as they should considering what they have gone through to save our country. Thats just my opinion.
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Today, the Veterans Day National Ceremony is held at the Arlington National Cemetary in Washington, D.C. It starts at exactly 11:00 am and a wreath is laid on the Tomb of the Unknowns. Then, it moves to the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations. I've been to the Arlington National Cemetary. I loved how everything was. And we saw the Tomb of the Unknowns and this fountain thing that was a memorial for something. And we watched the soldiers like switch spots and stuff. It was SUPER formal. Like i'm pretty sure if you mess up you get fired. But, anyway, thats what i got about Veterans Day.
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http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/
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