A Little History About Veterans Day
Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, which was the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
On November 11, 1921, an American soldier was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. His identity was unknown, and his grave site is today known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every year on November 11, the president or a high-ranking member of the government lays a wreath on his grave.
In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance and in 1938, Nov. 11 became a national holiday.
Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954. The change occurred because originally, Armistice Day honored veterans of WWI. However, in WWII there was an increase of veterans, so they changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all the veterans.
From 1971 to 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. Many states disapproved of the change and continued to observe the holiday on November 11. After it became evident that November 11 held historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Gerald R. Ford's signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day back to November 11 beginning in 1978.
As of 2016, there were 18.5 million veterans of the U.S. armed forces. According to the Census Bureau, approximately 10 percent were women. In addition, California has the more U.S. military veterans than any other state, followed closely by Texas and Florida.
Originally, this holiday celebrates veterans with parades and public meetings, as well as a brief suspension of businesses at 11:00 a.m. This is still the case today, as many parades are held and speeches are given across the country.
On Veterans Day, Arlington National Cemetery holds a ceremony every year to honor those who died during times of war. The ceremony is held around the Tomb of the Unknowns and at 11:00 a.m. a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb.
Happy Veterans Day From A B Pest Control & Insulation
While much has changed over the years, one thing remained the same: despite its different names and dates, the purpose of Veterans Day has remained the same — to say thanks. At A B Pest Control & Insulation, we want to thank everyone who has served or is serving our country. If you would like to thank a veteran, the 5th Annual Veterans Day Parade will be held on November 10 beginning at 1:00 p.m. starting at the Osage Beach City Hall to Lake of the Ozarks Elks Lodge. There will be food and beverages available at the Elks Lodge. Happy Veterans Day from A B Pest Control & Insulation!
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