As we celebrate Veterans Day this Monday, we pause to remember the courage and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who have fought to protect the fundamental rights we hold so dear.
Armistice Day, the predecessor to Veterans Day, was created by President Woodrow Wilson to honor those who fought in World War I, then called the Great War. This holiday was observed on November 11 to remember the end of the war, which took place on November 11, 1918. Americans originally celebrated this day with parades, public meetings, and the suspension of business for two minutes in the morning.
By 1954, the United States had also been through World War II and the Korean War. To honor the service of veterans from all wars, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day.
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In 1968, federal legislation moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the last Monday in November beginning in 1971. Since many states did not agree with this decision, there was significant confusion over when to observe the holiday.
To end this complication, President Gerald Ford approved legislation to return the observance of Veterans Day to November 11.
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As we commemorate the heroism of our armed forces, let us remember the deep debt of gratitude we owe to every member of the military for their willingness to risk their lives to protect our nation and preserve our precious liberties.
If you see a veteran or active service member on Monday, please be sure to thank them for their service.
Our gratitude to veterans, however, must extend beyond this holiday. We should be thankful for their service each day we live in freedom because they are the ones who paid the price for us to be free.