On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, all combat in World War I stopped. The Allies (Great Britain, France, Italy, Romania, Japan, the United States) and Germany had agreed on an armistice (a truce). Even the 369th Infantry Regiment, better known as the New York National Guard Regiment and as the Harlem Hell-fighters ceased combat. This African American infantry unit of World War I, under French command, spent more time in combat than any other American Unit. Seven months later, on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and the war officially ended. The cease fire, on November 11, 1918, was the end of “the war to end all wars.” This day was called Armistice Day and celebrated those who had fought in this great war. In 1938, the day became a national holiday to honor the veterans of World War I.
Global wars did not cease. Subsequently, there was World War II and the Korean War. Veteran organizations lobbied for the recognition of all veterans of all wars. Congress voted to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. There was debate that led to a change in the date and for a time, the fourth Monday in October was Veterans Day. Ultimately, the original date of November 11th was legislated by Congress. Allied countries celebrate Veterans Day on or near November 11th, though their ceremonies may differ from those in the United States. Celebrations are held in Kenya about two weeks after November 11th, because in 1918, the word of the armistice took two weeks to reach the troops there.
Veterans Day is a holiday to celebrate all veterans of all wars. Men and women who serve and have served in the military are the guardians of our Democracy. Let us on Wednesday, November 11th, in words and actions, say to veterans, “Thank you for serving.”
Reflections
There is no apostrophe in the spelling of Veterans Day. No single soldier or group(s) owns the day. It is a specific day to honor all veterans and their service to our country. On this day the particular emphasis is on living veterans although deceased veterans may be remembered.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
On Memorial Day, we remember veterans who are deceased.
On Veterans Day, we honor living veterans primarily (although the deceased may be honored, also).
In Britain, Canada, Australia and France, November 11th honors veterans of WWI and WWII. The day is called Remembrance Day. In Canada, people wear a red poppy flower to remember the war dead. There are parades and in services of worship at 11 a.m., two minutes of silence are often observed to honor those who have died. In Kenya, the celebration is marked additionally by the laying of wreaths on war memorials.
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D. Min, ACC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President