The end
of the "war to end all wars" was declared on the 11th hour of
the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when Germany signed the Armistice
with the Allied Forces. To show observance for this event and all of the
unknown soldiers fallen during World War I, President Wilson made a proclamation
that Nov. 11th of each year was to be celebrated as to remember the heroes
of WWI. After officially being officially named Armistice Day in
1926, the day was declared a
national holiday in 1938 by the U.S. Congress. In 1954 a bill was passed
to honor all veterans who have served in defense of the United States and
renamed the day to Veteran's Day. Side note: In 1968 the date was moved to
the fourth Monday of October, but switched back again in 1978 to November
11th. |
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Holiday
Facts & History
Veterans
Day (Dep't of Veterans Affairs): Information, Facts and Links about
Veteran's day and related subjects.
Veteran's
Day (Patriotism.org): Information on the beginnings and history of
Veteran's Day.
Veteran's
Day (US Embassy, Jakarta): Historical timeline of the observance of
the holiday.
November
11, Veteran's Day, Remembrance Day, Armistice Day (Sheryl's Holiday Site):
History, facts, links and related information on Veteran's Day.
Veteran's
Information
Department
of Veteran's Affairs (official site): Information and links for
Veterans of the armed forces.
Veteran's
History Project (Library of Congress): The
Veterans History Project collects and preserves the extraordinary wartime
stories of ordinary people.
U.S.
Wars
History
of US Wars (CBEL.com ): Over 1000 links to information on US Wars
throughout the web.
World
History Timeline (WorldHistory.com): Timeline of wars involving the
U.S., with links to information on each war.
America's
Wars (History Central): History and information of U.S. Wars.
Related Links
US
Department of Defense (official site): Information and facts on the
DOD, who they are and what they do.
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This
is not a traditional gift giving day. There are unfortunately no big
parties being thrown or Barbecue's being hosted for this occasion.
However, veterans should be remembered on this day, and what is a better
way to show your appreciation for what they have done, but with a gift?
For
the Veteran: If there is a veteran in your life, buy them something
special to commemorate this day. Take an old picture of them in
uniform and put it in a nice frame and give it to them. You can
also buy them something with a patriotic or military theme - such as an
American Eagle on a mug or pocket knife.
For
All Veterans: A
nice gift to veterans in general would be to volunteer at your local VA hospital.
This would be beneficial to them and it will make you feel good inside.
For
Yourself: Spend this day thinking about the Veterans of our armed forces. Rent
out or purchase a war movie and think about what these men and women
went through in defense of democracy. You can also read a book of
war stories to commemorate the holiday. Travel:
If you have a father, grandfather or any other veteran that lives close or
far, this would be a great day to visit them. The visit is your
gift, the hug and kiss you give them in person is an extra special bonus. |
