What Veterans Day Means To Me?

Veterans Day could mean two things to you.

First of all, if you are a veteran of the United States armed forces or served before, then Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring you or other veterans like you.

On the other hand, if you are not a veteran or a common citizen of the United States, then the day is like a duty to you to show respect to all the veterans of the United States armed forces, who served and sacrificed themselves for the pride and dignity of the nation.

Why Veterans Day 11/11?

Every year, Veterans Day falls on the 11th of November.

In 1918, on 11th November, Germany signed the armistice and surrendered World War I to the allies, mainly to the United States, France, and Great Britain.

In 1919, on 11th November, allied nations celebrated Armistice Day in their own nations remembering the deadly years and showing respect to all the veterans who fought and even gave up their lives.

The United States also celebrated Armistice Day on the 11th of November 1919.

All kept going in the same way for more than two and a half decades. But things started changing after 1945.

Once WW2 ended, an American veteran Raymond Weeks requested the United States government to expand Armistice Day to dedicate to all US veterans, not only those who died in World War I.

Congress took his idea seriously. Finally, in 1954, during the presidency of Dwight D Eisenhower, Congress changed the name Armistice Day to Veterans Day. However, the date remained unchanged.

Therefore, still today, Veterans Day is celebrated on the 11th of November every year.

What Is The Main Difference Between Memorial Day & Veterans Day?

Although both are associated with the United States armed forces, they have a major core difference.

The United States Memorial Day is dedicated to those military men who died during their service.

Contrary to Memorial Day, Veterans Day is dedicated to all US veterans, no matter whether are they alive or dead.