I was in the military as
was my father and many members of my family. We have had family
members serve in all of the four major military branches. Army,
Navy, Air Force, Marines all had me or members of my family fill
their ranks at one time or another. Today is Veterans Day, and it is
a day the service of all members of the military are honored. This
day did not always exist, and the history of how it became a national
holiday is interesting.
End of World War I
Veterans Day started as a
celebration known as Armistice Day. This day was originally a
holiday designated as a way to recognize the ending of World War I.
The official ending of this war was November 11, 1918. In 1938, it
was a new legal holiday intended to honor all of the veterans of
World War I. After this time, the United States was involved in
World War II as well as the Korean War. In 1954, the U.S.Congress
was contacted by a number of veterans services organizations. There
were so many veterans from World War II and Koreas they requested the
1938 Act be changed. They asked the word Armistice be deleted and
replaced with the word Veterans. The U.S. Congress agreed and the
legislation was approved. This officially made November 11 a day
designated to honor all American military veterans who had served
honorably.
Confusion
It is obvious in 1968
there was a real desire to have uniform holidays that resulted in a
three-day weekend. I suppose it was a time when politicians were
trying to get re-elected by telling their constituents, they are the
person who brought them a uniform three-day weekend holiday schedule.
I do wonder how that worked out for them. The U.S. Congress changed
Memorial Day, Columbus Day as well as Veterans Day and other federal
holidays. There were many states who didn't agree with doing this.
They probably rolled their eyes, sighed and then continued to
celebrate Veterans Day on November 11. It was a time of much holiday
celebration confusion. On September 20, 1975, a law was created that
made the observance of Veterans Day once again be on November 11 and
for some reason, this didn't start until 1978. I'm sure this action
had many voters scratching their head in confusion and wondering if
politicians in Washington DC don't have enough real work to spend
their time doing.
Observing Veterans Day
Okay, with the government
comes lots of rules. Veterans Day is no exception. If the date
falls on a non-workday, the federal government will observe it on the
following Monday. What will be closed by the federal government is
determined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It seems
state and local governments can choose how to observe it. On August
4, 2001, the U.S. Senate must have been very bored and decided to do
something. They passed a resolution that designated November 11
through November 17 as National Veterans Awareness Week. Now, during
this time it is suggested students are educated about the sacrifices
and contributions of veterans. I have no idea why this has to be
suggested by the government, but I respect the effort.
So there you have it. The
government history of bureaucracy behind something as simple as a
holiday honoring veterans. I believe this is typical of how a
government operates. Let's take the time to honor the living
veterans who served in wartime as well as peacetime. I know for
myself, I'm always overwhelmed with people thanking me for my
service. I'm amazed at all the free stuff offered by restaurants and
more. I do experience a little guilt. I served because I wanted to
serve my country, and I'd be proud to do it again.
Here is a link to an
article about the history of Veterans Day
https://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.html
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