JACKSON, Wyo. — Happy Veterans Day!
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Day originated when fighting ceased during World War I (WWI) after an armistice between Allied nations and Germany went into effect “on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”
Because of that, the VA confirms Nov. 11, 1918, is regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars” and why the observance of Veterans Day falls on this date. The VA writes that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first commemoration of Armistice Day in November 1919.
“To us in America, 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, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations,” President Wilson said.
The VA suggests the original concept for the holiday was a day with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.
On June 4, 1926, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution recognizing the Nov. 11, 1918, end to WWI and calling on officials to observe the holiday with flag displays on all government buildings and a full day suspension of business. By May 13, 1938, an Act made Nov. 11 a legal annual holiday known as “Armistice Day.”
This was switched to “Veterans Day” in 1954 after World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in the U.S.’s history. According to the VA, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 and changed the holiday’s name to honor American Veterans of all wars, not just WWI.
The Uniform Holiday Bill that was signed on June 28, 1968, intended to ensure three day weekends for federal employees with the celebration of four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day.
“It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production,” the VA writes.
However, many states did not agree with this decision to keep all holidays on Mondays and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates. On Sept. 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law returning the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, starting in 1978.
The annual Veterans Day ceremony in Jackson Hole on the Town Square is scheduled for today at 11 a.m. After the ceremony, the Jackson Police Department will host its annual Ruck March.
