icon Armistice Day to Veterans Day: A History of Honoring America's Heroes
Armistice Day to Veterans Day: A History of Honoring America's Heroes

Armistice Day to Veterans Day: A History of Honoring America's Heroes

Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Served

Veterans Day is a national holiday in the United States that honors military veterans of all wars. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th each year, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918.

The United States has a long and proud history of military service, dating back to the American Revolution. Over the centuries, millions of Americans have served in the military to protect our country and our freedoms.

Veterans Day is a time to remember and honor the sacrifices of all military veterans, both living and deceased. It is also a time to thank them for their service and to express our gratitude for the freedoms they have helped to defend.

Displaying the US and military flags on Veterans Day

One of the most common ways to honor veterans on Veterans Day is to display the US flag and military flags. The United States flag is to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Veterans Day. Military flags may be flown at full-staff on Veterans Day but flown below the US flag.

If you are displaying a military flag on Veterans Day, it is important to know the proper way to do so. Military flags should be flown in the same manner as the US flag, with the union (the blue field with the stars) at the top left corner. Military flags should be flown from a staff that is at least as long as the flag itself.

History and importance of Veterans Day

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that November 11 would serve as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the name Armistice Day changed to Veterans Day to honor all military veterans, regardless of which war they served in.

Veterans Day is an important holiday because it reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many people to protect our country and our freedoms. It is also a time to thank veterans for their service and to let them know that we appreciate their sacrifices.

Other ways to honor veterans on Veterans Day:

  • Attend a Veterans Day parade or ceremony.
  • Visit a veterans hospital or nursing home.
  • Donate to a veterans charity.
  • Write a thank-you note to a veteran.
  • Simply say thank you to a veteran you see.

On Veterans Day, let us all take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of all military veterans. Thank you for your service!