Is Veterans Day A Federal Holiday?
Yes, of course, Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States of America since 1954. On this day, most schools, colleges, banks, different financial institutions, and federal government offices remain closed.
The day is observed on the 11th of November every year to honor the veterans of the United States armed forces.
Earlier, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day; it primarily-
- Honored World War I veterans
- Represented the victory of the allies,
- The defeat of Germany in World War I,
- And their surrender on the 11th of November, 1918.
However, in 1954, during the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower, the United States Congress decided to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
When Did Veterans Day Become A Federal Holiday?
Technically, the year was 1954; but if we look back at history, the actual year was 1938. However, at that time, the day was called “Armistice Day” not “Veterans Day”.
On May 13th, 1938, the US Congress passed a bill to observe “Armistice Day” with some special arrangements, and therefore, they also declared it a legal holiday.
How The US Congress Changed The Name Armistice Day To Veterans Day?
In 1939, World War 2 broke out, the United States entered in 1941 after the sudden Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor.
Once the war came to an end, in 1945, an American veteran named Raymond Weeks requested the federal government to observe “Armistice Day” by not just dedicating it to the veterans of World War I but also dedicating to all the US veterans.
Because a lot of American men also sacrificed themselves during World War 2, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The United States administration took his proposal seriously.
Although took some time, finally, on June 1st, 1954 via the amendment of a bill, the US congress changed the name Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
At that time, Dwight D Eisenhower was the US President.
