Veterans Day

By Jayden Branam

    Veterans Day, first commemorated in 1919, is a day to honor all veterans, both alive and deceased, both currently serving and retired. It is a day dedicated to respecting all those who have served to ensure the freedoms of everyday citizens like you and me, who often take for granted the simple liberties that living in the United States provides. 

    The roots of Veterans Day stem from World War I. World War I officially came to an end when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28th, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier than this when an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany was enacted This armistice went into effect in 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It marked the “cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals”.  In 1938, an act was passed proclaiming November 11th as “Armistice Day”, a legal holiday dedicated to world peace and more specifically to honor WWI Veterans. This act was later amended in 1954, following World War II. Replacing the word “Armistice” with “Veterans”, November 11th became a day to honor all American Veterans. 

     While Memorial Day commemorates fallen soldiers, Veterans Day celebrates all military members who have served, whether in times of peace or conflict. As Veterans Day arrives, let us remember, respect, and thank all those who have made abundant personal sacrifices for our country. These soldiers have displayed unmatched selflessness and we, as a country, are forever grateful.