Published by: Jean Ashley Lugod
Date Published: November 12, 2024
Time Published: 8:32 AM
Every drop of blood. Every gun that is triggered. Every stolen freedom. Those are the noise of wars that lingers among military veterans who fought for worldwide peace.
Veterans are former members of the armed forces, and after World War I, their unfading sacrifices earned them an honorary day to celebrate their effort and braveness—Veterans Day. This day has been celebrated every 11th of November since 1919, making it a century of legacy.
World War I, referred to at the time as "The Great War," was officially concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, at the Palace of Versailles located near the town of Versailles, France. However, combat stopped seven months prior when an armistice, a temporary halting of hostilities, between Germany and the Allied nations was enacted at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Consequently, November 11, 1918, is commonly considered the date when "the war to end all wars" came to a close [1].
A year later, it is entitled as Veterans Day, yes, without apostrophe. For this reason, choosing this way has a definite and deliberate meaning. It is a day directly honoring veterans as stated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs [2]. The day is not just an ordinary holiday, but this day gives each one of us to honor and indulge in reminiscing about the vivid memories of yesterday. It is a yesterday full of history that people have not known the details of exactly its journey of an extraordinary event. To freshen up its essence in our minds, let us find out today the century of celebration.
YEAR 1919
On June 28, 1919, even after seven months early, there were no bomb echoes as the temporary halting of hostilities between Germany and the Allied nations was enacted, and the Great War, World War I, the music of missiles faded to silence. By that time, the great war had officially ended.
After a few months, the silence of missiles initiated the beginning of honoring. In November, the 28th president of the United States, President Woodrow Wilson, proclaimed the 11th of November as the first tribute to Armistice Day. Yes, it was once called the Armistice Day which will be further discussed in the year 1954.
President Woodrow Wilson spilled the beans in 1919 with the following words of releasing a statement to honor the anniversary. “To us in America,” he stated, “the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory” [3].
From that year on, the nation started to build a traditional concept of celebration in tribute to them. The day is saluted with parades and public meetings. And to keep remembering the enactment between Germany and Allied nations that happened at the exact eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, there’s a cancellation of business that happened at eleventh in the morning as well.
YEAR 1926
On June 3, 1926, there were echoes that called for peace through the hall of Congress. A House Report was released encouraging President Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, to release yearly Armistice Day declarations [4]. Subsequently, many people celebrate it annually to preserve the memory of the war since it tells the story of being patriotic to the soldiers.
Furthermore, it became significant for the Museum and Memorial, as the Liberty Memorial was dedicated on Armistice Day in 1926. The president previously announced the proposal made to officially establish the day as a holiday to commemorate the event. He gave the speech to the biggest audience a U.S. president could have at that time, with around 150,000 people listening. Like the nation paused for the moment of a catalyst for change.
In which, the House Report contains celebrated with gratitude, prayer, and activities aimed at promoting peace through goodwill and mutual understanding among countries urging government officials to raise the US flag on all Government buildings on November 11 and encouraging citizens to commemorate the day in schools, churches, or other suitable venues, with appropriate ceremonies promoting friendly relations with all nations [1].
YEAR 1938
On May 13, 1938, news surfaced as Congress announced that the 11th of November was to be settled and officially declared as a legal holiday for Armistice Day.
With the number of 27 state legislatures in the nation to agree with this to be set as a legal Federal holiday. They believe this day may cause world peace, helping everyone to union in a meaningful celebration that encompasses a history of patriotism. The ordinary day became extraordinary to remember the sacrifices made for peace.
In truth, there are no official national holidays in the United States as each state has the autonomy to choose its own holidays, while the federal government can only declare holidays for federal workers and for the District of Columbia. In reality, states typically adhere to the guidance provided by the federal government [5].
YEAR 1954
On June 1, 1954, the 34th president of the United States, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the approval legislation to change the “Armistice” into “Veterans” in the name of this holiday. It was said that, if it kept that way, it would cover all the American veterans of all wars including World War II which happened before this change. By broadening the scopes, the said holiday vision to honor all who have worn uniform of protection of one’s country.
A year before this, in 1953, this reform was actually petitioned by an Emporia, Kansas, cobbler named Alvin J. King. He lost his nephew during World War II. Regardless of this pain, he appreciates all the veterans who served and strongly fought. Right after this, Edward H. Rees, an Emporia’s U.S. congressman, saw it as the right thing to do and helped him propose a federal name change.
Rees stated during a Congressional hearing regarding the issue, “Armistice Day, unfortunately, is not being observed the way it ought to be observed,” The occasion would “give recognition to the fact that before and since World War I, millions of United States men have fought and died under the flag of the United States in the furtherance of world peace” [6].
From then on, the evolution of Veterans Day still has not stopped there. It continues to drive historical adventure of changes and adaptation. In the year 1968, Veterans Day was once part of the long extension holidays, a three-day weekend with four holidays. Along with Washington’s birthday, Columbus Day, and Memorial Day, these changes confuse many. And so, on October 25, 1971, rejected this and continued to celebrate it with the original date which was the 11th of November.
In 1975, as it became clear that the specific date of Veterans Day held historical and patriotic importance for numerous Americans, President Gerald Ford enacted legislation reinstating the celebration of Veterans Day on November 11th, starting in 1978. When November 11 occurs on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the preceding Friday or the following Monday, accordingly. Veterans Day results in the closure of government offices [5].
In summary of this short evolution, Armistice Day, a tribute to fallen soldiers, began in 1919 after World War I. President Wilson declared November 11 as the first tribute, and it became a significant event for the Museum and Memorial. In 1938, Congress declared it a legal holiday, and in 1954, President Eisenhower changed it to "Veterans" to honor American veterans of all wars. The date was initially part of the long extension holidays but was reinstated in 1975.
On this day, we reflect on World War I and II, wars that changed perceptions of the sounds of missiles. Further on are the soldiers who battled for their fellow citizens, for their loved ones, and above all, for their cherished nation. They are burdened by unique challenges that are not present in any other profession. Establishing a day dedicated to patriotism fosters unity among the people of the nation, allowing them to show gratitude for their commitment to safeguarding the country.
Of course, it is important to perform an action as we must always remember that many wars have been sparked by disagreements. And with disagreement, learning and practicing forgiveness is crucial. Similar to how life works, we are the veterans of our own experiences and mistakes are the war we face. While these may cause pain, they ultimately serve as valuable lessons that help us in shaping into better individuals.
In the end, the interconnection between wars and veterans' vision for peace and reconciliation. Despite the devastation, brutality, and tragic days, genuine and realistic heroes emerge in their era. They are the real heroes of the century.
REFERENCES:
[1] Department of Veterans Affairs (jdt). (2024, June 10). History of Veterans Day - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
[2] Lin, T. T. H. (2024, October 22). Veterans Day History. Military.com. https://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.html
[3] Blakemore, E. (2021, November 10). Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day—here’s how it evolved. History. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/veterans-day-was-originally-called-armistice-day-heres-how-it-evolved
[4] GovInfo. (n.d.). https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/SERIALSET-08537_00_00-142-1362-0000/context
[5] Zapata, C. (2024, January 31). Veterans Day 2023: Founding, Fact & Meaning | HISTORY. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day
[6] Veterans Day. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=2t-IRhde--kC&newbks=0&dq=a+grateful+nation+may+pay+proper+homage+to+all+its+veterans&pg=PA2&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
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