Ever since November 11, 1938, a day has been set aside to honor veterans of war. In 1938, this day was called Armistice Day. An Armistice is when two countries fighting against each other in a war agree to stop fighting. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Armistice of WW1 was signed. November 11th was a day to honor the veterans of WW1.
After our participation in World War 2, US congress wanted to change this day from just honoring WW1 veterans to honor all veterans! On June 1, 1954, President Eisenhower signed a legislation that stated that November 11 would be a day that we would honor veterans of all wars! This day was now known as Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is a holiday celebrated all over the world! In Britain and other countries, they take two minutes of silence to honor veterans at 11AM on November 11th. Here, in the US, we have a wreath-laying ceremony in Arlington Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknowns. We also celebrate with parades and other fun festivities.
I thought it was crazy that the Armistice was declared on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month! I thought that that was so cool! I also did not know that Veterans Day was celebrated all over the world. I thought that it was just us. I also thought that that was pretty sweet.
http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-veterans-day
http://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.htm
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