Published: November 5, 2021

Stepping into the Past

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

U.S. World War I veteran Joseph Ambrose (1896–1988) attends the dedication parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982, wearing his original Brodie helmet and doughboy uniform and holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, Clement, who was killed in the Korean War.

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts

“The war to end all wars”, “The Great War” or War World I as it is more formally is known, is a devastating part of Earth’s history. The war was fought over the course of 4 years, involved over 30 nations and was fought on 4 continents. The Great War officially ended on June 28, 1919 with the Treaty of Versailles. However the fighting ceased on the Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month in 1918, with an armistice.

November 11th or Veterans Day, is a day most Americans know, it is a usually a paid holiday, a day people go shopping, relax or spend time with family. Most people do not realize the history of Veterans Day. History that can be traced back to the WWI’s armistice. In 1919, the first commemoration of Armistice Day was declared by President Wilson.

His commemoration address contained the following:

“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…"

Originally November 11th was supposed to be celebrated as a day of observance. In 1938 Congress made November 11th a federal holiday, as a day set aside to honor WWI veterans. Then in 1954 World War II required the largest mobilization of our nations soldiers. The 83rd Congress (1954) amended the Armistice Day Act, to replace Armistice to Veteran, in order to honor all American Veterans of War.

Later on in the year President Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” stating:

“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”